Konstas, Peake, McSweeney Named in Australia A Squad for India Tour; Ashes Hopefuls Overlooked

In a clear signal of long-term planning, Australia's selectors have named a youthful and forward-looking Australia A squad for the upcoming red-ball tour of India, with Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, and Oliver Peake headlining the 14-man group. The squad will play two four-day matches against India A in Lucknow this September, forming a crucial part of preparations for the 2027 Test tour of India.

The selection panel, led by George Bailey, has prioritised subcontinental exposure for emerging talent, opting against selecting established Test hopefuls like Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Bancroft, and Jake Weatherald. Instead, the squad includes fresh faces such as teenage sensation Peake and promising Victorian opener Campbell Kellaway.

"This tour is about development and long-term planning," Bailey said. "The subcontinent presents unique challenges. We want these players to develop a strong understanding of their games and learn how to adapt their skills in these conditions, with an eye on the 2027 Test tour."

Notable Omissions Amid Strategic Shift

Several players who impressed in the recent Australia A series against Sri Lanka A — including Weatherald, Jason Sangha, and Kurtis Patterson — were left out. Renshaw, a veteran of two Indian Test tours, and Bancroft, who scored 150 against India A back in 2015, were also omitted. Their exclusion suggests the selectors are looking beyond immediate Ashes contention and towards reshaping the Test squad for the future.

The upcoming Ashes series, set to begin later this year, will likely be influenced more by performances in the opening rounds of the Sheffield Shield, according to selectors.

Spin Focus: Murphy, Rocchiccioli, Connolly to Lead Subcontinental Charge

Spin is a major focus for the selectors, with Todd Murphy returning to the A setup after a successful 2023 tour of India where he took 14 wickets across four Tests. He is joined by fellow offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who has previously trained at the MRF Academy and brings valuable subcontinental experience.

Left-arm spinning allrounder Cooper Connolly, who debuted for Australia earlier this year in Sri Lanka, is also in the squad. He, along with Murphy, Hardie, Jack Edwards, and Liam Scott, will remain in India for a trio of 50-over matches following the red-ball leg of the tour.

Strong Bowling Contingent Named

Fast bowlers Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett — both centrally contracted — headline the pace attack. They will be supported by Fergus O'Neill, last season’s leading Shield wicket-taker. Seam-bowling allrounders Aaron Hardie, Jack Edwards, and Liam Scott add depth to the squad.

Wicketkeeper Josh Philippe has been included as the lone gloveman in the red-ball squad.

Young Guns to Feature in ODI Leg

For the one-day matches in Kanpur, a younger group including Harry Dixon, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, and Callum Vidler has been named. Fraser-McGurk, recently dropped from Australia’s ODI squad, may also get a chance to showcase his skills behind the stumps as he continues to develop as a backup wicketkeeper for the national T20 side.

Leadership Still Undecided

Captains are yet to be confirmed, but the squad features several strong candidates. State skippers Nathan McSweeney, Jack Edwards, and Will Sutherland are among the touring party, while Aaron Hardie has previously captained Australia A.

Australia A Four-Day Squad (vs India A in Lucknow):

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 One-Day Squad (vs India A in Kanpur):

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

With the focus squarely on development, this tour marks a key step in grooming the next generation of Australian Test cricketers for future challenges on the subcontinent.