Former Australian batsman Michael Hussey has raised concerns over the decision to field Nathan McSweeney as an opener in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. McSweeney, a South Australian batter, was selected based on his impressive performances in the Sheffield Shield and recent knocks against India A. However, Hussey believes that the management should have opted for a specialist opener, given the challenges of facing India’s potent seam attack in the high-stakes series.
Speaking on Fox Cricket during Australia’s third ODI against Pakistan, Hussey said, “I think it’s a tough ask to ask him to play his first Test match as an opening batsman against India in a huge series when he hasn’t opened before in first-class cricket apart from last week in the India A clash.”
Hussey emphasized that while some past Australian players like Simon Katich and Shane Watson successfully transitioned from the middle-order to opening, they did so after playing numerous Test matches. “It’s not easy at all. I know people will say Simon Katich and Shane Watson have done it in the past. They moved from the middle-order up to the top order, but they played 20-30 Test matches before they made the move. It’s a tough ask and, personally, I would (prefer a specialist opener), but I think the Australian selectors’ philosophy is picking the best six batters in the country, and then we’ll figure the order out after that,” Hussey added.
Australia’s chief selector George Bailey defended McSweeney’s inclusion, insisting that the batter has significant experience facing the new ball, even though he primarily bats at number three for South Australia. “I don’t think it’s a huge adjustment to go from three to opening. I think in the 15 or so games that he’s been batting at three for South Australia, I think he’s been in before the 10th over about 20 times. He’s had plenty of experience. I think his game and the way he plays, I don’t think the adjustment will be too much,” Bailey explained.
The Border-Gavaskar series, which will begin on November 22 in Perth, is highly anticipated, with Australia looking to regain the trophy from India. The series is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams boasting strong lineups.
