Nathan McSweeney has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to claim the opening spot after a pair of composed and classy innings against India A

The Australian Test team is said to be harder to get into than to get out of it, but 10 months after David Warner’s long goodbye a spot at the top of the order is still there for the taking. The lack of obvious alternatives helped Warner hang on until his self-proclaimed Sydney farewell, but after an experiment with Steve Smith partnering Usman Khawaja as opener, a new frontrunner for the role is finally emerging.

Nathan McSweeney showcased his credentials with a composed 39 then added a classy, unbeaten 88 to steer Australia A to victory over India A in Mackay. The pair of contrasting knocks, the first full of fight while the next was more free-flowing without adding unnecessary risk, has edged McSweeney ahead of Test discards Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, as well as young gun Sam Konstas in the race to replace Warner.