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Harris endorses McSweeney to succeed at Test level despite tough beginning
Sam Kosack • November 29th, 2024 4:09 pm
Australian Test cricket great Ryan Harris has endorsed Nathan McSweeney to continue opening the batting for Australia, despite struggling against India’s bowlers in the first Test.
McSweeney made his Test debut in Perth, recording scores of 10 and 0, falling both times to Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah.
McSweeney is the first selection in a changing of the guard period for the aging Australian batting line-up, replacing David Warner who retired at the end of last Summer.
Harris, who coaches McSweeney in the South Australian first class side, has backed his captain to continue opening for Australia, amidst the side’s run crisis.
“For now, I think he’s the best person for it but like everyone he needs to score runs,” Harris told SEN 1170s The B-Team.
“Batting three and opening is slightly different but it’s not… Nathan is well equipped to do that.
“Obviously he didn’t have a great start but he copped two pretty good balls in Perth.”
Harris does believe however, that McSweeney’s likely best position at Test level is number three.
“Ultimately, he probably slots back into three at some stage depending on what happens over the next couple of years with Uzzy (Usman Khawaja),” Harris said.
“He’s the right person for that position right now but again, long-term, if Uzzy was to keep going and play well then they probably stay with that combination.
“If Uzzy was to finish next summer… then probably Sam Konstas comes into it and there’s a new batting pair from there.”
McSweeney will get a second chance to impose his mark on Test cricket on December 6 in the second Test in Adelaide.
