Before the home Ashes 2025/26, a few Australian players will get their chance to prove their selection during the two red-ball four-day games in Lucknow this September, as Sam Konstas aims to retain his opening spot this summer. He has been picked in the 14-man squad with other candidates, Nathan McSweeney and teenager Oliver Peake.

However, Jake Weatherald, Jason Sangha, and Kurtis Patterson, who featured in the recent A-series against Sri Lanka at home, were excluded. The other opening options with Test experience, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris, were not included. These performances for the Australia-A are not expected to tinker with the Ashes 2025/26 selection, but it could prove vital for the next BGT 2027 trip in India.

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“The subcontinent provides many unique challenges and the opportunity to utilize different skills with bat and ball. We hope repeated experiences in these conditions will assist players in developing an effective method and understanding of their game for future sub-continent tours.” George Bailey, the chairman of the selectors, addressed.

Australia picks exciting squad for upcoming men’s Australia A tour of India

Cooper Connolly, the left-arm spinner, will get his valuable subcontinent experience. CA contracted pacers, Lance Morris and Xavier Barlett, were picked in the squad along with wicket-keeper, Josh Philippe. They will play in the four-day games in Lucknow only before returning to Australia for the first Shield round that begins on October 04.

“For many of these players, we remain interested in the development of their short-form cricket as well, but balancing out priorities meant we wanted them back and available for the start of the Sheffield Shield season. This provides opportunities for Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Tanveer Sangha, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, and Callum Vidler, who will play the one-day matches in Kanpur.” Bailey shed light.

Jake Fraser-McGurk was included after losing his place in the national ODI squad and could get a chance to keep wickets. Captains are yet to be announced, with several options available.

Australia A squad for the four-day games

Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam Scott

Australia A squad for one-day fixtures

Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Callum Vidler