“I think it’s tough on him” - Michael Hussey questions Australia dropping batter for BGT 2024-25 4th and 5th Tests
Former Australia middle-order batter Michael Hussey has empathized with Nathan McSweeney, who copped the axe ahead of the fourth and fifth Border-Gavaskar series Tests against India. Hussey acknowledged that conditions have been far from easy for the openers and was unsure whether it was the right decision to drop him.
With the series sitting at a knife's edge, the selectors decided to drop the 25-year-old from the squad. McSweeney particularly struggled against Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him on four out of six occasions in the series. Instead, Australia added uncapped Sam Konstas, who is likely to debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Speaking on Fox Cricket, the 49-year-old observed that almost all the openers from both sides have been struggling. Hussey also showed excitement for Konstas' addition. He said:
"I really feel for McSweeney. I think it's tough on him. Tough call. I don't know (if it was the right call). It's a tough one on him. It's not easy. The ball's been moving around quite a lot for the openers. A lot of batters at the top of the order have been battling away. Let's look at the other side, and it's so exciting for a player like Sam Konstas."
Konstas, 19, showcased promise in the Australia A series against India A and cracked a ton for the Prime Minister's XI in the pink-ball warm-up fixture against India. If he debuts, the right-hander will become Australia's second-youngest debutant since Pat Cummins in 2011 at 18 years and 193 days.
"It was a difficult decision to leave him out" - Australia chief selector on Nathan McSweeney
Australia's chief selector George Bailey opened up on their decision, expressing confidence in McSweeney's ability to bounce back. Bailey revealed that Konstas' ability to play aggressively at the top earned him selection. He said (as quoted by cricket.com.au):
"We remain confident Nathan has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level in the future. It was a difficult decision to leave him out. It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different line-up for the next two matches. Sam gets a call up to the Test squad for the first time. His style of batting offers a point of difference and we look forward to watching his game develop further."
India won in Perth by 295 runs but the hosts bounced back to level the five-Test series in Adelaide with a 10-wicket victory.