Who is Nathan McSweeney? David Warner's potential successor in Tests
Nathan McSweeney, a promising cricketer from Queensland, is all set to make his Test debut for Australia. He will be filling the big shoes left by David Warner's retirement earlier this year. Although Steve Smith was willing to take the responsibility to open the batting, he didn't deliver. This prompted Cricket Australia to name McSweeney as the opener for the first Test against India in Perth. Let's decode his profile.
McSweeney's selection marks new era for Australian cricket
McSweeney's selection also marks a new era for Australia's batting order. The team is now looking to strengthen their lineup and build on their strengths for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. National selector George Bailey expressed his confidence in McSweeney stating, "Over the last 12 or 15 months, seeing a player whose growth is on a great trajectory...and got a game that will really suit Test cricket."
McSweeney's impressive domestic cricket record
A right-handed batter and part-time right-arm off-break bowler, McSweeney plays for South Australia in domestic cricket. He has an impressive First-Class batting average of 38.16 with six centuries and 12 half-centuries to his name. The 25-year-old has scored 2,252 runs across 34 games. In List A cricket, he averages 42.25 having scored 845 runs including a century and eight fifties in just 22 matches. McSweeney also boasts 428 T20 runs at 26.75.
McSweeney's early cricket journey and recognition
Born on March 8, 1999, in Brisbane, Queensland, McSweeney's talent was apparent from an early age. His consistent performances in the Sheffield Shield over the last couple of years have been acknowledged. He also played a pivotal role as captain and batter during the recently concluded unofficial Test series between India A and Australia A. After scoring 39 & 88* in the opener, he made 14 & 25 as the Aussie team won both games.
McSweeney set to partner Khawaja
In Usman Khawaja, McSweeney will have an experienced and in-form opening partner when he takes the field at the Perth Stadium. The youngster will have the onus to tackle the thunderbolts from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj early on. The challenge is indeed massive as Australia lost their last two home Test series against India.
