The likes of McSweeney, Konstas, Bancroft and Harris are vying for the vacant spot, but Ponting has made his choice quite clear for the big role.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has chosen Nathan McSweeney over young talent Sam Konstas for the opening spot in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Ponting praised McSweeney's experience and recent performance in an unofficial 'Test' match,

Speaking on the same, former cricketer Ricky Ponting stated that he feels Nathan McSweeney should be considered as Usman Khawaja’s partner in the marquee series. The 49-year-old mentioned that he initially felt Sam Konstas would be the perfect replacement but with McSweeney’s recent performances,

Australia's search for a Test opener has reached its last stages with Ricky Ponting finalising his pick. The likes of Sam Konstas, Marcus Harris or Cameron Bancroft haven't really made their mark in the ongoing game for Australia A against India A and Ponting has leaned towards the experienced one.

Ponting had said recently the Aussies may thrust teenage opener Sam Konstas into the fray and hand the Under 19 star a debut against India, but the former Australia skipper has changed his selection.

Ricky Ponting wants to see Nathan McSweeney opening the innings for Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.