Melbourne, Sept 2:
Peter Handscomb has been handed another opportunity to revive his Test career after being named in Australia A’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where strong performances could strengthen his case for a return to the national side.
Handscomb, who has not played international cricket since the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is part of a strong Australia A red-ball group that will travel to India later this month.
The Australia A squad will play two four-day matches against India A in Puducherry, with the first beginning on September 22 and the second scheduled from September 29 to October 2. The tour will also include three one-day matches on October 6, 9 and 11.
Handscomb’s selection is significant as Australia begin assessing players who could be involved in the Test setup ahead of their next major assignment in India.
The experienced batter has built a reputation as a player particularly comfortable against spin, an attribute that could make him a valuable option for Australia on Indian pitches.
The squad also includes promising young batter Sam Konstas, while fast bowlers Brendan Doggett and Jhye Richardson bring international and domestic experience to the group.
The selectors have also left out Marnus Labuschagne from the Australia A squad, increasing the focus on players competing for opportunities in the Test middle order.
For Handscomb, the India A series provides an important platform to demonstrate that he remains capable of performing at the highest level. Consistent scores in the four-day matches could put him firmly back into the conversation for Australia’s Test plans.
The Australia A tour is also part of a broader preparation process for the Test series in India early next year. The selectors are expected to use the matches to assess players who could be called upon during the demanding five-Test campaign.
With India’s conditions traditionally posing a major challenge to visiting teams, the performances in Puducherry will be closely watched by the Australian selectors.
For Handscomb, however, the equation is straightforward: runs in India could reopen the door to an international comeback.