Although he bats at No. 3 for South Australia, McSweeney is firmly in the mix and has a chance to make his Test debut, having made an excellent start to the Sheffield Shield season with scores of 55. , 127 not eliminated, 37 and 72. .
He has been touted as a future Test captain, underlined by his appointment as Australian A skipper, a role he has played several times previously. McSweeney also led the Prime Minister’s XI once, as well as captaining the Brisbane Heat to the BBL title last season.
McSweeney’s form and highly regarded leadership credentials – his tactical awareness impressed observers in his debut season as South Australia captain – have proven convincing to national selectors who are wondering whether he can take on the unfamiliar fly-half role. .
“I think I’m playing probably the best cricket I’ve ever had, being the third batsman for South Australia and pretty much my entire career,” McSweeney told reporters in Mackay.
“It’s not much different to opening. I feel like you can be there in the first over of the game. All my preparation is with the new ball, so I feel like my game is ready.
“Hopefully I can get a chance. If not, I’ll keep trying to improve. What will be, will be.”
McSweeney remained tight-lipped about his position in the Australia A batting order but will likely remain in his usual role at No.3.
“I’m pretty clear about where I’m going to bat for this game. It’s a great honor to play for Australia and I’m happy to bat anywhere,” he said. “Hopefully I can take my opportunity to bat where I do. I’m not sure what will happen in the next game so the selectors will go with that.
“I think talking about playing for your country is a great honor… try to take the talk. All I can do is prepare as best I can and prepare the other guys.
“There are a lot of guys who are playing well and hopefully we can all cope with it.” [the opportunities] and make it very difficult for the selectors.
While the national spotlight has been absorbed by this so-called ‘bat-off’, which will reach almost fanatical levels in Mackay and the MCG, Australia A will face a talented India A line-up in a contest to be played in the wet conditions of the northeast Queensland.
India A has several members of the Test team, including 21-year-old all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is looking to acclimatise to the Australian conditions and start the tour strongly.
“It’ll be nice to play those guys. We only see them on TV. [in the IPL]for me personally,” McSweeney said. “The wicket looks very good, I don’t think it depends too much on the pitch. I think they have great players with the bat and the ball.
“We will need to give our best and hopefully we can put in a good performance and get the win for Australia A.”
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth.
