Test newcomer Nathan McSweeney has been put to the test in his first session with the national squad, while West Aussie Mitch Marsh was put through his bowling paces at the WACA.

The Australian Test team stepped out for the first time since their February tour of New Zealand on Monday as they prepare for a blockbuster Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.

After winning the selection ‘bat-off’ with Australia A, all keen eyes were on McSweeney as he prepared to likely open the batting against India’s star quicks Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj.

And the signs were good as he started fielding warm-ups at third slip before joining opener Usman Khawaja and star Steve Smith for a hit on the newly prepared centre wicket.

His initiation became fiery as he faced his first balls from Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.

The South Australian struggled to lay bat on ball early, beaten multiple times on the outside and edging one away from Lyon.

But as the session moved along he looked more confident, leaving the ball outside off and nudging balls off his body.