After being omitted due to below-par performances in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy, the Australia opener Nathan McSweeney has aimed for a test return as a long-term replacement for Usman Khawaja once he retires.
McSweeny opened the innings with Usman Khawaja in the first three tests but his performance was not up to the marks, which saw him replaced by Sam Konstas in the Boxing Day test with 19-year old making an immediate impact by scoring a half-century.
Pakistan-origin Khawaja has reported that next Ashes summer could be his ideal swan-son, given the likes of Konstas and McSweeney are staking claim for the opener’s slot.
“I’d love to, there’s no doubt about that. Ussie has been awesome, but when the opportunity comes or if it does I would love to do that,” said McSweeney.
“I haven’t had heaps of time to think about it, to be honest, it all kind of happened fairly quickly, and then I was back here playing T20 cricket,” said McSweeney.
Nathan said he would speak to the selectors to discuss his future and his flexibility about his batting position.
“Those conversations will be had, and I’ve got to work out and speak with the selectors about where my opportunity may come and what I need to do to get back there.
“I’m flexible to bat wherever and wherever I see my role to, hopefully, one day again play Test cricket,” he said.
McSweeney was into opener role for the BGT tests despite his role in domestic cricket at No.3 or No.4. He struggled against the quality pace of Jasprit Bumrah with an average of 14.40.
“I think what I’ve done really well over the last couple of years is trusting my game and being able to bat long periods of time is where I’ve been able to make big runs,” McSweeney said.
He also spoke about Konstas had made full use of faith reposed by the selectors to make an impact in the Melbourne Test.
“It’s quite a unique game, and it’s very individual at times. You’ve got your own way to go about it, and he obviously did it really well in that first innings.
“I think I’ve been able to play spin pretty well here in Australia over the last few years. It’s a fair bit different over there… if I got the nod to go over there I’d feel really confident in my game against spin,” said McSweeney.
Australia secured a 2-1 lead in the ongoing series with third match resulted in a draw. The final match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy will begin on January 03 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
