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Nathan McSweeney wins Test opener battle for India series despite heroics from Aussie rivals

McSweeney's exceptional form has been rewarded with a call up to the Aussie Test side.

andrew reid
·3-min read

Nathan McSweeney has won the battle of the 'bat-off' to partner Usman Khawaja in the Test series against India after Australian cricket selectors handed the South Australia captain a maiden Test call-up. McSweeney was locked in a four-way battle with rivals Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas and Cameron Bancroft, the latter of whom killed off any hopes of a Test recall with a worrying run of recent form.

Harris looked to have nudged ahead of McSweeney after an impressive 74 in the first innings of Australia A's win against India A at the MCG this week. Teenage sensation Konstas also strengthened his claims with a brilliant unbeaten 73 in the second innings that sealed the win for the Aussies.

Pictured left to right, Marcus Harris, Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas.
Nathan McSweeney (centre) beat off a late challenge from the likes of Marcus Harris (L) and Sam Konstas (R) to be named Australia's Test opener. Pic: Getty

But McSweeney has been rewarded for an outstanding start to the domestic season, despite having never previously opened the batting before this week's Australia A match. McSweeney will become the first Australian player in 47 years to make his Test debut as an opener despite never having batted there at Sheffield Shield level.

The 25-year-old top-scored in both innings of the first Australia A match in Mackay when batting at No.4 and his leadership qualities are said to have impressed Cricket Australia officials. McSweeney's promotion to opener didn't go quite as well as he was unable to convert starts - 14 and 25 - in both innings at the MCG. That seemingly opened the for Harris to take the spot.

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But chairman of selectors George Bailey had seen enough to pick McSweeney for the first Test at Optus Stadium, starting on November 22. "Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket," Bailey said.

"His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favour and supports our view he is ready for the opportunity at Test level. Bailey said selectors also chose Australia's white-ball wicketkeeper Josh Inglis to be the spare batter in the Test side off the back of his own impressive domestic form.

"Similarly, Josh (Inglis) has been in great touch in the Sheffield Shield competition and deserves his place in his first Test squad. Bailey confirmed that Victoria quick Scott Boland would once again be part of the squad and offer competition for places to vaunted pace trio Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Seen here, Josh Inglis.
Josh Inglis has been picked as Australia's reserve batter off the back of his superb recent form. Pic: Getty

"Scott (Boland) has been a top-level performer when given the opportunity at Test level and remains a valued member of the squad." After allrounder Cameron Green was in October ruled out for the summer with a back injury, selectors confirmed Steve Smith would be shifting back to his preferred spot of No.4 following four Tests as opener at the start of this year.

Western Australian opener Bancroft made himself impossible to pick after a dreadful run of form that's seen him average less than 4 in first class cricket this season. He and Harris were initially thought to be next-in-line having played Tests before and performed strongly at Shield level in recent seasons.

Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Scott Boland.

with AAP