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Australia top-order batter Nathan McSweeney has finally opened up after being dropped from the side for the final two Tests of the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. On Friday, December 20, Cricket Australia announced 15-member squad for the final two Tests of the series.
In a notable move, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan McSweeney were dropped with Sam Konstas and Jhye Richardson being added into the side. Speaking after the announcement, McSweeney expressed heartbreak on missing the final two Tests, especially the Boxing Day Test against India, which is set to commence from December 26 at MCG in Melbourne.
I'll get the head down and get back in the nets and work really hard: Nathan McSweeney
Speaking after CA’s squad announcement, McSweeney expressed disappointment and added that he’ll get back into the nets and work hard, eyeing at the next possible opportunity. "Yes, I mean devastated. I get the dream come true and then didn't quite work out the way I wanted it, but it's all part of it and yeah I'll get the head down and get back in the nets and work really hard and hopefully be ready to go for the next opportunity," McSweeney said while speaking to 7Cricket.
"I think it's the game we're in. If you don't take your opportunity and you're not performing as well as you want to, your position's never safe. So I missed out a few times with the bat and unfortunately wasn't able to take my opportunity. But yeah, as I said, I'll work really hard to make sure if the opportunity comes around again, I'm definitely ready," he added.
It is to be noted that the 25-year-old’s performance drew mixed reactions from fans as well as former cricketers. Despite being a middle-order specialist in domestic cricket, the Queensland-born cricketer was vouched to open for the side alongside Usman Khawaja. In his three matches, he scored 72 runs across six innings, marking the lowest output for an Aussie opener in their first six innings in 50 years. Chief selector George Bailey also explained this decision to drop McSweeney and replace with Sam Konstas aiming to add a “point of difference”.
Australia’s squad for final two BGT Tests against India
Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head (vc), Steve Smith (vc), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
