I'm Batting The Best I Ever Have: Nathan McSweeney Ready For The Challenge Of Test Cricket
Perth: Australia opener Nathan McSweeney is set to face his biggest challenge yet in the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, and the 25-year-old South Australian batsman is confident that he's been preparing well for the task.
McSweeney has started the season with impressive scores for both South Australia and Australia A, including scores of 55, 127 not out, 37, 72 and 137 in two unofficial Test matches against India A. He will partner Usman Khawaja at the top for the series opener in Perth, where he's expecting a tough challenge from Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
When asked about facing Bumrah, McSweeney said that replicating his unique action would be difficult but he's looking forward to the challenge. The batsman has been watching clips of Bumrah and other Indian quicks Mohammed Siraj to mentally prepare for the task.
"I'll definitely dive a lot deeper into it when I get to Perth," McSweeney said, adding that facing a new bowler can be a slight challenge but also an opportunity to gain experience. "I've got a whole week before I head off to Perth, so I can get mentally ready and hopefully start really well."
A quiet confidence runs through the young batter ahead of the important series. McSweeney believes he's batting the best he ever has and is prepared to take this opportunity.
"I think I'm the best I've ever been prepared to take this opportunity, so hopefully I can do that. No doubt there's plenty of learning and experiences that I haven't experienced yet and I'm looking forward to learning all about the challenges of Test cricket and challenging my game against the very best," McSweeney said.
The Adelaide man realises the enormity of the job left by retiring David Warner but has a plan for being an opening batter. "Being an opening batter, it's making sure I'm leaving the ball well and making the bowlers are bowling to me. Then being ready and positive to score when they miss is as simple as I want to make it," McSweeney explained.
The series opener begins in Perth on December 10, and McSweeney will give it his all to take advantage of this opportunity and shine against the best Indian cricket team.