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.”

India’s Jasprit Bumrah. File
| Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K

Australia opener Nathan McSweeney, who is set to debut against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, said he has been preparing for the “unique” challenge of facing star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

McSweeney was drafted into the Australia squad after a slew of impressive performances in the Sheffield Shield tournament and in the recent ‘A’ series against India.

Also Read: Perth pitch to have really good pace and bounce: Curator cautions India ahead of first Test

The 25-year-old South Australian will partner Usman Khawaja at the top in the series opener in Perth and during the upcoming five-Test series.

“There’s probably not (much I can do to replicate how Bumrah bowls). Obviously, he’s got a unique action. He’s one of the best bowlers in the world.”

“So, it’s going to be hard to mimic that. I’m just looking forward to all of that and I can’t wait,” McSweeney told SEN.

McSweeney, who captained Australia A side in the 2-0 series win against India A, said he has been watching the bowling clips of Indian quicks including Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj to be mentally ready for the task.

“I’ll definitely dive a lot deeper into it when I get to Perth. I’ve looked at a few clips of what they’re bowling attack stacks up like. I’m just trying to visualise how I’m going to go about it. Facing a new bowler can be a slight challenge to just pick up their action,” he said.

“I’ve got a whole week before I head off to Perth, so, I can get mentally ready and I guess it starts now in preparation to hopefully start really well,” he added.

However, a quiet confidence runs through the young batter ahead of the important series.

“In the last month or so I really feel like I’m batting the best I ever have. I think I’m the best I’ve ever been prepared to take this opportunity, so hopefully I can do that.

“No doubt there’s plenty of learning and experiences that I haven’t experienced yet and I’m looking forward to learning all about the challenges of Test cricket and challenging my game against the very best,” he said.

McSweeney will step into the shoes of David Warner, who retired from international cricket after the home Test series against Pakistan in January this year, and the Adelaide man realises the enormity of the job.

The right-hander has a plan for it.

“Being an opening batter, it’s making sure I’m leaving the ball well and making the bowlers are bowling to me. Then being ready and positive to score when they miss is as simple as I want to make it.

“If I’m reacting well and doing those things well, hopefully, it equates to me spending time in the middle and chipping away at the scoreboard,” he said.