"I don't know where this myth started that you need someone to score really fast to do well" - Usman Khawaja defends Nathan McSweeney's approachÂ
Australian opener Usman Khawaja cast aside the criticism surrounding his soon-to-be batting partner Nathan McSweeney's approach since it contrasts with the predecessor in question, David Warner. Several sides employ aggressive openers at the top of the order, such as Ben Duckett and Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Khawaja maintains that such personnel is not a non-negotiable.
Australia profited off Warner's ability to get going from the word go, attack the new ball, and unsettle the bowlers. While the Aussies have aggressive batters in the setup, they cannot be risked from their set positions in the middle order. They had to be content with two defensive players at the top when Warner retired, leading to Smith's promotion, and the same trend is to follow with Nathan McSweeney's call-up.
There has been a mixed response since the squad announcement, particularly regarding McSweeney's scoring rate. While the likes of Aaron Finch have praised it since the likes of Steve Smith will get to face the old ball, an opposite reaction from a section has also been equally prevalent.
"I don't know where this myth started that you need someone to score really fast to do well. You've got five days to do it ... I don't know why you need to score fast. Opening's as much about scoring runs as it is about being able to absorb," Khawaja said via The West Australian.
"Davey was special; he could score runs while absorbing but he didn't do it (score fast) every time. He was consistent; out there and setting a platform, and Nathan does that very well," he added
McSweeney's ability to hold up against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep will be tested in what will be just his second outing as an opener in first-class cricket.
McSweeney has a first-class strike rate of 41.92 after 34 matches
Playing as an opening batter in the second unofficial Test against India, McSweeney took 99 deliveries for his 39 runs across both innings. He has a first-class strike rate of 41.92 in 67 first-class appearances.
David Warner finished his career with a strike rate reading 70.19 in Tests, while Australia's current opening batter Usman Khawaja, known for his defensive resilience, has a strike rate of 48.29.