Australia’s Test selectors remain in a difficult position in their search for Usman Khawaja’s opening partner after Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris failed again in the Australia A match on Saturday.

Nathan McSweeney, who could be selected to open or bat at first drop in the first Test against India, reached stumps on day three unbeaten on 47.

But Konstas was dismissed for 16 when he shouldered arms to India A quick Mukesh Kumar and had his off stump ripped out, while Harris lost his wicket for 36 and Bancroft 16.

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Bancroft was caught in the gully when he failed to contain a Prasidh Krishna short ball that rose sharply off the pitch, before Harris edged left-arm orthodox spinner Manav Suthar to first slip.

Earlier in Bancroft’s innings, the former Test opener was caught at first slip on 4 off the bowling of fast bowler Mavdeep Saini, but survived because the Indian had bowled a no-ball.

Harris played some gorgeous drives in his innings of 36, but as the 32-year-old has done on many occasions in his frustrating 14-Test career, he lost his wicket when settled.

McSweeney’s unbeaten 47 follows his patient 39 in Australia A’s first dig, which came off 131 deliveries.

McSweeney bats at No.3 for South Australia and has slotted in at No.4 in the Australia A fixture, but said ahead of the Australia A match that he backed himself to open in Test cricket.

“I think I’m playing probably the best cricket I have, batting No.3 for South Australia, and pretty much my whole career,” McSweeney said.

“It’s not too dissimilar to opening. I feel like you can be in there the first over of the game. All my preparation is with the new ball, so I feel like my game’s ready.

“Hopefully I can get an opportunity. If not, I’ll keep trying to get better. What will be, will be.”

Konstas and Bancroft were both dismissed for a duck in Australia A’s first innings, while Harris fell for 17.

On the fourth and final day, McSweeney will resume in the middle with all-rounder Beau Webster as Australia A eyes 225 runs for victory.

Australia A reached stumps at 3-139 in Mackay.

Cricket Australia selector Tony Dodemaide is on duty at Great Barrier Reef Arena.

In the Sheffield Shield at the SCG on Saturday, Khawaja peeled off 58 from 129 balls in Queensland’s match against NSW.

Australia and India will begin a five-Test series in Perth on November 22.