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Pat Cummins reveals Nathan McSweeney detail 'isn't that important' amid race for Test selection

Cummins believes Marnus Labuschagne may open in the first Test against India.

ben talintyre
Sports Reporter
·3-min read

Nathan McSweeney has put himself in pole position for a Test call-up after starring for Australia A. The South Australian top-scored in both innings in Mackay, with an unbeaten 88 to go with a 39 in his first innings. While the other batsmen in contention for a Test spot, Sam Konstas (0 and 16), Marcus Harris (17 and 36) and Cameron Bancroft (0 and 16) all failed to impress.

And McSweeney's performance led Australian captain Pat Cummins to suggest he could slot into the Test side at first or second drop, with Marnus Labuschagne promoted to open the batting. "You could do," Cummins said about promoting Labushagne.

Pictured right Pat Cummins and left Nathan McSweeney
Pat Cummins says it's very possible that Marnus Labuschagne opens for the first Test against India as Nathan McSweeney put a strong case forward for selection. Image: Getty

"Maybe once we kind of start discussing who's in the side, then you start looking at the batting order. Ronnie (coach Andrew McDonald) and I have said it quite a bit - where you bat isn't that important. You try and work out how the batting order as a whole is going to function best. I don't think anyone should be super protective around a certain spot on that."

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Marnus Labuschagne of Australia leaves the field after being dismissed during day three the Second Test match in the series between Australia and West Indies at The Gabba on January 27, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Marnus Labuschagne may be promoted to opener for the first Test against India. Image: Getty

McSweeney has now made scores of 55, 127no, 37, 72, 36 and 88no to start the summer, along with 137 against Queensland in a 50-over game last week, as he pushes his case for a Test debut. The 25-year-old looked completely at ease as Australia A chased down the fourth-innings target of 225 to secure the win.

Australia are expected to pick their side for the first Test in Perth on Friday or Saturday, giving aspirants one more innings for Australia A in Melbourne this week. But as it stands, McSweeney is the clear front-runner, having excelled in the opening Australia A game and has averaged 97 batting at No.3 for South Australia this season.

After a strong showing for Australia A, McSweeney believes he is ready to step up on the international stage. "I'm really confident in my game. I'm progressing and I'm batting some of the best innings I've played," McSweeney told reporters in Mackay on Sunday. "Hopefully I can continue to learn and get better. If the opportunity comes, I feel like I'm ready.

"If it doesn't, I'll keep working hard and hope that one day I get that call-up. All I can worry about is making sure my game is in good order. I've got to continue to try and punch out runs."

MACKAY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 31: Nathan McSweeney of Australia A bats during the match between Australia A and India A at Great Barrier Reef Arena on October 31, 2024 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Nathan McSweeney top-scored in both innings for Australia A against India, with an unbeaten 88 and 39 in his first innings. Image: Getty

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Queensland captain Labuschagne got to see McSweeney close-up in the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup clashes against South Australia recently and believes he would be an asset to the Australian side. "Absolutely. He is a very good player, and not just his batting," Labuschagne said when asked about McSweeney's Test credentials.

"It's everything else he brings in the field, his bowling and his leadership style. This summer could be his opportunity. He has just got to keep going like he is now. If he keeps scoring runs he could put pressure on the selectors to pick him. He has certainly been very good so far this season and was very good last season as well."

with AAP