McSweeney gets huge backing in battle for the opener’s spot as he is set to open for Australia A in the second test.
McSweeney gets to open for Australia A is the clearest indication yet that he is a strong contender for the vacant role in the Test side.
With 19-year-old Sam Konstas dropping to No. 4 and Cameron Bancroft listed at No. 3, McSweeney, the captain of Australia A, will partner Marcus Harris, who has never opened in first-class cricket, solidifying their position as the two front-runners for the Test position.
“As flagged prior to the series the batting order was subject to adjustment throughout the two-match series,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “We will use the opportunity this week to gather our final information before the announcement of the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series following the Australia A match.”
Two batting slots will be up for grabs in Australia’s 13-man team for the first Test, as a reserve will also be carried.
In the opening game against India A in Mackay, McSweeney was the most impressive batsman. He led the chase home with an undefeated 88 after making 39 in the first innings while playing at number four.
“I’m really confident in my game. I’m progressing and I’m batting some of the best innings I’ve played,” McSweeney told reporters in Mackay after the match. “Hopefully I can continue to learn and get better. If the opportunity comes, I feel like I’m ready.
“If it doesn’t, I’ll keep working hard and hope that one day I get that call-up. All I can worry about is making sure my game is in good order. I’ve got to continue to try and punch out runs.”
Additionally, McSweeney will be playing in a first-class match at the MCG for the second time this week. He made his lone prior appearance in 2019 while playing for Queensland, returning with scores of 0 and 16. There, he has participated in one BBL game. Despite playing four BBL games at both Perth Stadium and the SCG, McSweeney has never participated in a first-class match there. Additionally, during his first-class career, he has only participated in one day-night pink ball match, playing for Australia A versus New Zealand A in Mackay last year.
Nevertheless, McSweeney is now a legitimate contender to start the opening Test match against India in Perth. Captain Pat Cummins did not rule out the possibility that he will bat at his typical No. 3 position with Marnus Labuschagne going up.