Peter Handscomb and Sam Konstas (Agency Image)

Peter Handscomb has been given another route back into Australia’s Test set-up after being selected in the Australia A squad for the upcoming tour of India.The 35-year-old batter is the most experienced member of the four-day squad and will get an opportunity to make his case for an international return ahead of Australia’s next Border-Gavaskar Trophy campaign.Handscomb has not played international cricket or represented Australia A since featuring in all four Tests during Australia’s previous Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour in 2023. With Australia preparing for another trip to India in the coming months, the tour could prove important in determining whether the veteran can force his way back into the Test picture.Australia A will first head to Puducherry for a four-day match later this month before the tour moves into three 50-over games. Several players selected across the two squads will be looking to put themselves in contention for future opportunities in Indian conditions.The pace department will also be closely watched, with Brendan Doggett and Jhye Richardson included in the red-ball squad. Richardson’s selection is particularly significant after his return to first-class cricket following several major shoulder surgeries.Todd Murphy, Sam Konstas and Nathan McSweeney are among nine players from last year’s Australia A four-day matches in Lucknow to earn another opportunity.Young fast bowler Mahli Beardman is one of the key names in the one-day squad. He continues to be carefully managed following back stress issues but has already shown his ability in white-ball cricket. Beardman claimed two wickets on his T20I debut against Pakistan in Lahore in March.Sam Harper has also been rewarded after a breakout domestic season, while Jason Sangha has been included in the group. Kurtis Patterson and Marnus Labuschagne are notable omissions.Australia’s selection boss George Bailey highlighted the importance of the A tour in preparing players for the demands of playing in the subcontinent.“We consider these tours an important part of performance and developing game styles in subcontinent conditions as part of our continued investment into the Australia A program,” Bailey said.“It’s a strong representation of players who will be in contention to be part of the group we take to India next year or see as having potential for further opportunities into the future.”

Australia A four-day squad

Brendan Doggett, Jack Edwards, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Liam Hatcher, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Josh Philippe, Jhye Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott.

Australia A one-day squad

Mahli Beardman, Nikhil Chaudhary, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitch Owen, Josh Philippe, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachlan Shaw.