Nathan McSweeney prepared to face first ball after winning bat-off Test for opening spot ahead of India series

ABC NEWS (Australia)

The Australian Men’s cricket squad has been announced for the summer tests and the selection garnering all side attention is that of South Australian Captain Nathan McSweeney.

Transcript

00:00After weeks of speculation, it's finally been announced Nathan McSweeney will partner

00:06Usman Khawaja at the top of the Australian Test Order, taking over the opening spot and

00:11edging out Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft.

00:14The 25-year-old South Australian captain is the first player to make his Test debut at

00:19the top of the order, having never played there.

00:21The first player in 47 years.

00:24Just really thrilled with Nathan's game, I think over the last 12 or 15 months, seeing

00:29a player whose growth is on a great trajectory, very organised, composed player at the crease.

00:37I think we've got a game, that he's got a game that will really suit Test cricket.

00:42I don't think it's a huge adjustment to go from three to opening.

00:47I think in the 15 or so games that he's been batting at three for South Australia, I think

00:53he's been in before the 10th over about 20 times.

00:58He's had plenty of experience and as I said, I think his game and the way he plays, I don't

01:03think the adjustment will be too much.

01:05McSweeney says he feels he's developed a fair bit over the past couple of years.

01:10He recognised a time back in Adelaide when he faced the Australian bowlers as a 19-year-old

01:14and how much he's grown since then.

01:16I faced them, I think they were in an Ashes prep when I was about 19 in a rookie contract

01:20in Queensland.

01:21Josh Hayswood, Stark, Cummins, all in a net session and walked out of that feeling like

01:26I was about 4 foot 11 and felt like the ball was like a golf ball coming down.

01:30I remember calling down and saying I'm not sure how anyone faces these guys.

01:34So hopefully it's a little bit different now and I can hold my own and I'm just super excited

01:41to be a part of the group and can't wait.

01:43Nathan will now head home to South Australia for some preparation ahead of the first Test

01:48in Perth at the end of this month.

01:51For more information visit www.fema.gov

Category

Transcript

Recommended