Overview

• The National Selection Panel confirmed the 14-player Australia A squad on August 7, scheduling two four-day fixtures in Lucknow (Sept. 16-19, 23-26) and three one-day games in Kanpur (Sept. 30, Oct. 3, Oct. 5).
• Test openers Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney headline the red-ball squad as they seek form in Indian conditions and audition for Australia’s home Ashes series.
• Chairman George Bailey said the tour’s spin-friendly pitches will provide emerging players with opportunities to develop techniques vital for future subcontinent assignments.
• Most squad members will return by early October to join the Sheffield Shield’s opening rounds, with selectors confirming Shield performances will hold greater Ashes selection weight than this tour.
• The squad combines a spin-heavy bowling bench with promising batsmen, reflecting Cricket Australia’s long-term strategy for the 2026-27 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.