Who is Nathan McSweeney? 5 interesting facts about uncapped Australian batter picked as opener for 1st BGT 2024-25 Test
Nathan McSweeney has been picked in Australia's 13-man squad for the first Test against India, which kicks off in Perth on November 22. He is set to partner veteran batter Usman Khawaja at the top of the order against Jasprit Bumrah and Co.
McSweeney has impressed with his consistency and leadership skills in recent years. He has garnered 2,252 runs in 34 first-class games at an average of 38.16, with six centuries.
The 25-year-old punched his way into the senior Test squad on account of his performances in the two-match unofficial Test series against India A. McSweeney led the side to a 2-0 clean sweep and emerged as the best batter with 166 runs. An impressive knock of 88* in the first game probably sealed the deal for him.
From the beginning of the 2023/24 season until the start of the India A series, he had scored 1,315 at 46.96, including four hundreds. The tally is the most by any Australian player in first-class cricket (excluding Tests).
On that note, let's take a look at the five interesting facts about Australia's newest batting addition.
#1 Represented Australia in the 2018 U19 World Cup
Nathan McSweeney represented Australia in the 2018 U19 World Cup, where they finished as the runner-up. He garnered 211 runs in five innings at an average of 70.33.
McSweeney's top knock came against Papua New Guinea, as he slammed 156 off 111 balls, with 18 fours and four sixes.
#2 Switched states for better opportunities in 2021
Nathan McSweeney made his first-class debut for Queensland in 2018. However, he could play only four games during his three-year stint, with none coming in the 2020/21 season.
As a result, McSweeney decided to play for South Australia to change the trajectory of his career. Although he struggled to find a permanent place in the first season, his impressive performances made him a key batter for the side in the coming years.
The Sheffield Shield 2023/24 season saw him emerge as the best batter for South Australia, with 762 runs at 40.10, including three centuries. He was also appointed as the captain of the side for the ongoing Shield season.
#3 Never played as an opener before India A series
Nathan McSweeney never opened in the first-class cricket before the India A series. He predominantly batted at No. 3 and was promoted to an opener in the second four-day fixture against India.
The right-hander was, however, informed of the potential move ahead of the India A series. He expressed his confidence in faring well in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, despite not having experience in this role.
Here's what McSweeney told reporters ahead of the series (via ESPNcricinfo):
"I think I'm playing probably the best cricket I have, batting No. 3 for South Australia, and pretty much my whole career."
"It's not too dissimilar to opening. I feel like you can be in there the first over of the game. All my preparation is with the new ball, so I feel like my game's ready," he added.
#4 Led Brisbane Heat to a title victory in BBL 2023/24
Nathan McSweeney was appointed as the captain of Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023/24 in the absence of regular skipper Usman Khawaja. The side ended at the top position in the league stage with seven wins in 10 games.
The side went on to win the title by beating Sydney Sixers in the final, as McSweeney contributed 33. In total, he garnered 222 runs in nine innings, with a top score of 73.
#5 Mentored by Marnus Labuschagne throughout his career
Nathan McSweeney has been mentored by Marnus Labuschagne since his playing days with Queensland Bulls in 2018. Although the youngster initially tried to emulate Labuschagne's batting style, he decided to stick to his own as his career progressed.
In a recent interaction on The Unplayable Podcast, McSweeney expressed his gratitude to Labuschagne for helping him at the start of his career. He was also excited to share the dressing room with him in the Australian Test setup. He said (via cricket.com.au):
"That was a nice phone call to Marnus last night as well," he said. "He's super chuffed for me and (I am) thankful for his knowledge and the way he's helped me through the start of my career."
"I can't wait to be in the same team as him and hopefully spend some time in the middle together," he added.