Recalled Australian batsman Nathan McSweeney has vowed to make the most of his second chance in Test cricket, as he prepares to dust off an unheralded skill in a bid to force his way into the side once again.
Selected in the squad to take on Sri Lanka from January 29, the 25-year-old will have an opportunity to play if he can prove he is worthy of contending with the subcontinent’s trying spin bowling conditions.
In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches, McSweeney struggled against Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah – averaging just 14.40 – before losing his place to Sam Konstas.
Nathan McSweeney will have the chance for a Test reprieve in Sri Lanka.Credit: Getty Images
But the way he has performed in the Big Bash League since returning to the Brisbane Heat, playing with a freedom not seen against Bumrah, will serve as a template for success should he feature in Galle.
McSweeney used his feet strongly to the spinners in a match-winning 78 against the Adelaide Strikers, while his clinical 43 off 24 balls gave his side a sniff of chasing the same rival’s 5-251 on Saturday.
Given Travis Head enjoyed success opening the batting in India – where he scored 223 runs, averaging 55.75 – there is a chance selectors will use the same tactic, likely at Konstas’ expense.
That would allow McSweeney to compete with Cooper Connolly in the middle order, and potentially set up a showdown with left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
The Sri Lankan veteran tormented Australia on their 2022 tour – taking 12 wickets in an emphatic second Test triumph – but McSweeney was adamant he had the tools to thrive.
And while Connolly’s left-arm finger spin is an appealing addition, the Queenslander was confident his own off spinners – yielding 18 Sheffield Shield wickets at an average of 30.88 – would be an asset.
“In Shield cricket over the last couple of years it probably hasn’t suited condition-wise for me to bowl a lot of overs, but I’m still working hard at it. Definitely if I get an opportunity I would love to have a bowl in conditions that suit off spin bowling,” McSweeney said.
“I’ve worked out a method [batting to spin] in Australia that’s worked for me so far in my Shield career, but I’ll definitely have to develop a new one … playing spin in Australia is very different to playing spin over there.
“I didn’t quite take my opportunity when I got my first three Tests, so I’m hopeful, but you just never know.”
Nathan McSweeney
“I’m lucky enough to have grown up in Queensland with Mitch Swepson and Matt Kuhnemann, and have faced a lot of spin – and quality spin. Hopefully, I can implement the work in Sri Lanka.”
McSweeney is expected to finish the BBL’s regular season, and will create a precarious selection puzzle when he is joined by Test teammates Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne for the Hurricanes’ clash on Thursday.
The Heat’s season has been kept alive by McSweeney and the powerhouse exploits of Max Bryant and Matt Renshaw, while allrounder Paul Walter is tipped to return from a minor shoulder concern.
A finger injury to Colin Munro would make that change more seamless if he is ruled out, but with Brisbane on the cusp of the top four with two games to play it is a campaign-defining selection headache.
Usman Khawaja will be available for the Brisbane Heat.Credit: Getty
Heat paceman Spencer Johnson said the return of Khawaja and Labuschagne was far from a disruption.
“Having two Test stars come back is not just great for us but great for the competition. They’ve been a massive part of why we’ve been so successful, and having Ussie out there skippering is massive,” Johnson said.
“One game is better than no games, so I’m happy with them back.”
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