‘I feel very capable’: Nathan McSweeney confident in Acing Opener role at Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Last updated:Nov 18, 2024 3:43 PM IST

Nathan McSweeney was named in the squad for the first Test, ahead of regular openers including Marcus Harris.

Nathan McSweeney averages 38.16 from 34 first-class games. (AFP photo)

Nathan McSweeney has been tasked with opening on his Australian debut despite not being a specialist in that position, but remains unfazed ahead of his big test in the series opener against India, starting in Perth on Friday.

McSweeney was named in the squad for the first Test, ahead of regular openers including Marcus Harris. The 25-year-old was given a national call-up after a decent performance against India A earlier this month. He is ranked number three in domestic cricket.

He faced the formidable trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood in the Australian nets here on Monday and looked in control.

“I think for me I know what works and I feel very capable of doing the job and I’m hitting the best I’ve ever had, I think. Hopefully I can go out there and execute that on Friday,” McSweeney said Sydney Morning Herald.

“It (criticism of his recording) happened quite quickly. You play a bit of Big Bash, but there’s definitely more talk about playing for your country, as it should be, it’s what you’ve wanted to do since you were a kid. Me being able to lean on the guys who have been through it doesn’t change the way I prepare or try to go out and play.

“I have so many supporters that I want to be proud of. So many family who sacrificed so much to get where I am today and so many coaches who threw so many balls at me. Hopefully I can go there and play really well and make them proud,” he added.

On the sidelines of the practice session, hard-hitting Australian batsman Travis Head defended McSweeney’s selection in the squad and refused to field questions about whether he would be David Warner’s potential replacement at the top of the order.

“(McSweeney) has had a good start, he has great character and he is adapting easily. It can sometimes be a bit crowded if it’s your first experience. But there is excitement. If he does what he did, he will fit in perfectly.

“When someone starts their career, it will take time. He has the support in the dressing rooms and I hope he gets support outside of it too. He has earned his selection and it is an exciting few weeks for him,” said Head.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)

Location:

Perth (Australia)

Cricket news ‘I feel very capable’: Nathan McSweeney confident in Acing Opener role at Border-Gavaskar Trophy