Former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy have backed Nathan McSweeney to exchange David Warner as Australia’s subsequent Take a look at opener, with Steve Smith returning to his most well-liked place at No. 4 within the upcoming five-match collection in opposition to India, beginning on November 22.
Ponting, who had beforehand supported 19-year-old Sam Konstas to open alongside Usman Khawaja, has now endorsed McSweeney as an alternative within the newest episode of The ICC Overview.
“I used to be placed on the spot a couple of week in the past, and I initially leaned in direction of the younger man, Sam Konstas. He’d come off back-to-back tons of in opposition to South Australia,” Ponting stated.
“Then I believed a bit extra about it. He’s so younger and certain hasn’t performed at difficult grounds like Optus (Perth) Stadium or The Gabba, nor skilled a pink-ball match at Adelaide Oval. So, though he’s acquired expertise, there are a number of components in opposition to him.”
McSweeney, at the moment captaining Australia A, has impressed along with his management and sound approach. Batting at No. 4, he scored a gritty 39 to stabilize Australia A’s innings within the ongoing first Unofficial Take a look at in opposition to India A.
“I additionally talked about that I don’t assume they’d return to Bancroft or Harris; in any other case, they’d have accomplished it final 12 months,” Ponting added.
“So, the one identify left for me is Nathan McSweeney. He’s Queensland-born however now performs for South Australia and has proven essentially the most promise amongst these within the ‘A’ sport setup in Australia for the time being.
“He’s extra skilled, has captained Australia A earlier than, and is main them now. So, I’m leaning towards McSweeney for that opening function to start out the Australian summer season.”
Healy on McSweeney
Ian Healy additionally praised McSweeney for his temperament throughout his 131-ball keep on the crease in opposition to India A.
“I knew about him as a result of he got here from my membership, and the Australian selectors are nicely conscious of him as a result of his performances for South Australia,” Healy informed SEN Afternoons. “At 25, he’s essentially the most prepared of the 4. The tried and examined Bancroft and Harris are a bit older, and Konstas is a bit youthful. Total, he’s the most effective suited based mostly on his current performances.”
