His remarkable rise continued after being included in the 17-man squad for two matches in four days at Mackay and the MCG.
“He’s in the mix, like many others. I certainly don’t want to single him out,” said George Bailey, chairman of selectors. “Think of Cam Bancroft’s consistency over the years, Marcus Harris’s consistency over the years – they’ve both looked at Test cricket as well, so no undue pressure or expectations on Sam at this stage.
“He’s got five games left in his first-class career, he’s made a good start and he certainly looks like he’s had a well-organized game. We’re really disappointed and we’re looking forward to seeing him at A-level and he’ll continue to perform.” Watch it unfold.”
Harris started the season strongly after scoring a century and a half-century against Tasmania, albeit on a mild Junction Oval surface. Bancroft and Renshaw, who made the pair, both failed twice in the match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA.
“We still really like Matt’s ability to play,” Bailey said. “As far as Australia A selection is concerned, it is part of the process of trying to identify opportunities that may arise in the short term, while also looking at developing opportunities for players who could become important in a variety of roles going forward.
“We have the Australia A team, but I think they are players we will continue to watch closely in Shield cricket – Matt Renshaw, Pete Handscomb and Nic Maddinson, to name three.”
Cooper Connolly, who made his ODI debut for England, is the only player to be named in both the ODI and Australia A teams.
Josh Philippe and Jimmy Peirson, who left WA for NSW in the off-season, are in charge of wicketkeeping.
The first four-day game at Mackay concludes on November 3 ahead of the first ODI on November 4, while the second four-day game at the MCG is played from November 7-10 with the second and third ODIs on November 11. It takes place on the 8th and 10th of the month.
The depth of the Shield squad will be firmly tested in the series against them in Round 3 of the Shield starting November 1.
“We are particularly excited about this team after their tremendous performance to start the Sheffield Shield season,” said Australia international George Bailey.
“As always with our Australia A selections, we have chosen sides that can deliver compelling performances in the upcoming Test summer while also rewarding players for strong domestic form in roles we believe will be important further afield.
“It will be a great opportunity for these players to shine against a strong Test nation as they prepare for what will be a fascinating summer of Test cricket.”
Australia A Team vs India A Team
Nathan McSweeney (captain), Cameron Bancroft, Scott Borland, Jordan Buckingham, Cooper Connolly, Ollie Davis, Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, Michael Nezer, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Jimmy Pearson, Josh Phillip, Corey Roach. Cioli, Mark Stekitti, Bo Webster
Tristan Lavalette is a Perth-based journalist.
