“It is not going to get much tougher than that” - Nathan McSweeney looks forward to facing Indian bowler in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Rookie Australian opener Nathan McSweeney is eager to face Jasprit Bumrah in the remainder of the Test series against India. The 25-year-old reckons challenges don't get tougher than facing a bowler of Bumrah's class in Test cricket.
Bumrah dismissed McSweeney twice on his Test debut cheaply at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Although the right-handed batter scored a gritty 39 in the first innings in Adelaide, Bumrah had him nicking behind to get his wicket for the third time in the series.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, December 11, McSweeney underlined that the angle from which Bumrah bowls is critical to work it out when facing him. He was quoted as saying by Perth Now:
"Facing him for the first time, he is a unique bowler and obviously world-class. He is a little bit different to most bowlers I have faced so it is about adapting to his angle and where he delivers on the crease. I got two pretty good balls from him (in Perth) so you've got to wear that on the chin and trust what you have been doing is good enough. He got me again in Adelaide. To get a bowler like Jasprit early on in my career, it is not going to get much tougher than that."
Nevertheless, Bumrah's fitness remains massively under focus ahead of the third Test in Brisbane, beginning on Saturday, December 14. Bumrah sent down more than 20 overs in Adelaide and needed some treatment from the physio in the first innings.
"Nice to get a little confidence from Adelaide" - Nathan McSweeney
McSweeney shared that he loves the challenge of working out a game plan to negate a bowler in the middle of the series.
"I am really enjoying the experience of trying to work out a game plan on the run against a world class bowler. Hopefully, I will get better the more I face him and hopefully, throw a few more punches here at the Gabba. It is awesome fun. It is challenging no doubt but it is nice to get a little confidence from Adelaide and hopefully continue through the series," he told reporters.
Team India beat Australia the last time the two sides played a Test in Brisbane.