Good judges insist Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney is on the cusp of Take a look at choice, the place a gap slot is up for grabs forward of the sequence in opposition to India.
Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann, who will be part of ABC Sport’s commentary workforce this summer time, has the 25-year-old on the prime of his record to switch David Warner as opener, whereas Take a look at quantity three Marnus Labuschagne regards him as an Australian participant in-waiting.
McSweeney will captain Australia A in opposition to India A on Thursday in Mackay with high quality runs behind him already this summer time.
He has scored 291 Sheffield Defend runs in his earlier 4 innings, together with an unbeaten 127 in opposition to NSW, and made 137 from 131 balls within the One-Day Cup conflict in opposition to Queensland in what Lehmann referred to in commentary as “among the best one-day innings we have now seen”.
Lehmann stated McSweeney and NSW 19-year-old opener Sam Konstas had been front-runners to switch Warner.
“In opposition to India and England (in 2025-26) the place you might be up in opposition to high quality quick bowling you need somebody who bats on the prime of the order, and for me for the time being it’s down to 2 … Konstas and McSweeney,” Lehmann stated.
“I’m most likely (leaning in the direction of) McSweeney. I’ve seen a bit extra of him of late. I have never seen sufficient of Sam. There’s a concept with Sam that he will get overwhelmed on the within a bit and performs away from his physique, and I’ve seen that, however I nonetheless assume he’s a really fantastic participant.
“He’s making runs and that’s all you are able to do, simply as McSweeney made one other 100. If it will get right down to type, you possibly can decide a kind of two.”
Lehmann additionally stated the pair had lots to supply for years to return.
‘”As a result of they’re younger I do not thoughts it as a result of they may very well be 75-Take a look at gamers, and we have now acquired older and skilled guys to assist out … so if we’re ever going to select a younger one we are able to do it now,” he stated.
Queensland captain Labuschagne acquired to see McSweeney close-up within the Sheffield Defend and One-Day Cup clashes in opposition to South Australia final week.
He stated McSweeney was on the cusp of Australian choice.
“Completely. He’s an excellent participant, and never simply his batting,” Labuschagne stated.
“It is every thing else he brings within the subject, his bowling and his management model.
“This summer time may very well be his alternative. He has simply acquired to maintain going like he’s now. If he retains scoring runs he might put stress on the selectors to select him. He has actually been superb thus far this season and was superb final season as properly.”
McSweeney, who largely bats at quantity three, stated he had not opened in Listing A or Defend cricket however can be ready to take action in Take a look at cricket.
“Batting at quantity three your preparation is comparable,” he stated.
“All my prep is with the brand new ball, and typically you might be in on the second ball of the sport.
“As a child it was a dream to get a dishevelled inexperienced and I’ll bat wherever.
“I’ve been fortunate sufficient to get picked for Australia A once more, which is a superb alternative for me to check my sport.
“I really feel like my sport retains progressing, which is a delightful factor and hopefully I can proceed do this.”
AAP
