Australia’s Nathan McSweeney has been heartbroken at being dropped from Australia’s Test team, after three matches against India. He revealed that trying to counter Jasprit Bumrah was a big factor in the selectors’ decision. But he is determined to fight for a return. McSweeney, who had never opened before playing for Australia A against India A in the game before the squad was selected for the first Test.
He was dropped on Friday in favour of 19-year-old Sam Konstas. The latter is now the frontrunner to open on Boxing Day at Melbourne Cricket Ground. McSweeney scored 72 runs in six innings despite tough batting conditions. But he appears to have paid the price for the selectors’ desire for greater momentum from the top order. McSweeney had been commended for his role in soaking up overs.
The 25-year-old batter particularly during the first innings under lights in Adelaide, where he and Marnus Labuschagne survived a critical session on the opening day, but his other five dismissals ranged from 0 to 10. McSweeney’s return to Test cricket currently appears to be in the middle order, though he will have to wait for a spot to open up. Cameron Green’s return from injury later in the year may increase contention.
Nathan McSweeney; A Victim Of Short-Term Thinking
Sam Konstas also stood out in the recent tour matches against India A, scoring an unbeaten 73 in the second unofficial Test. The 19-year-old also has a fantastic first-class average of 42.23 and will be looking to continue his good form at the international level in the fourth Test, which begins on December 26th in Melbourne. India also has never lost a Boxing Day test against the Aussies.
Former captain Michael Clarke has blasted, “Nathan McSweeney has been dropped. I can’t believe that. No matter who they picked in that opening position, they had to give them the series. I think the selectors have got this wrong. We’ve got Usman Khawaja who is 38 years old, and he’s made no runs. He’s a senior player.”
