Border-Gavaskar Trophy | Opener McSweeney growing in confidence

A file image of Australian opener Nathan McSweeney
| Photo Credit: AP

Stepping into David Warner’s shoes can be a daunting task and Nathan McSweeney is dealing with that onerous challenge in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Warner’s buddy Usman Khawaja is his partner and matters get even more delicate as the former opener is now keeping a close eye as a commentator.

Familiar territory

McSweeney, though, has Gabba, his home ground to lean on. Back in a familiar environment here on Wednesday (December 11, 2024), the opener respectfully dealt with Warner’s shadow: “David was an unbelievable player with massive shoes to fill when he left. If I can be half the player he was, I am going alright.” And then he added: “A Gabba ground I know really well, so hopefully I can spend some time out there and put Australia in a good position.”

Drawing strength from the 67-run second-wicket partnership that he shared with Marnus Labuschagne during the second Test’s first innings at the Adelaide Oval, McSweeney said: “Marnus made an unbelievable 64 in the context of the game. For us to come out and get through a tricky period was massive. Hopefully I can spend some more time out there with him. I got two good balls in Perth. I had some confidence to go to Adelaide and really trusted my game.”

With a morning drizzle serenading Brisbane, the weather may get sticky but local boy McSweeney felt it was a false alarm: “Obviously a bit of a weather in the last few days, but it’s a long way from the game (third Test). At the Gabba, it has great bounce, can seam around, and if there are overheads (clouds) it can swing around a bit. As a batter you prepare for all scenarios. It’s definitely a new-ball wicket and if you can get past that, it’s a lovely ground to bat at.”