Despite making his Test debut only last month, Nathan McSweeney is reportedly no longer guaranteed a Boxing Day debut against India next week in Melbourne.
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According to reports from Daniel Brettig and Tom Decent of the Sydney Morning Herald, the South Australian captain’s opening position is up for debate heading into the fourth Test of this summer’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
McSweeney had never opened at state level prior to his call-up, facing a baptism of fire against one of the best Test bowlers in the history of the sport in Jasprit Bumrah.
He’s failed to make more than 10 in five of his six Test innings to date, with selectors reportedly uncertain surrounding his position.
A positive approach is reportedly favoured by those selectors, and it remains to be seen if they believe McSweeney is the man to stop Bumrah from dictating terms on Australian soil.
A batting order reshuffle could also be on the cards, with McSweeney’s strike rate only 34 across his Test career at the top of the order and an average of 14.4.
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NSW rising star Sam Konstas and Victorian gun Marcus Harris were also candidates to open the batting prior to the start of this series.
Australian selectors and Pat Cummins will reportedly unveil their squad for the MCG Test on Friday, with Scott Boland set to replace the injured Josh Hazlewood.
Josh Inglis and Beau Webster will likely also be included, with either a chance to debut should McSweeney be omitted from the team.
Despite his lack of runs, the South Australian said to Nine News: “This whole summer has been a dream come true, and no doubt [I have] plenty of learning to do, and hopefully some more time in the middle to come.”
The 25-year-old made 88 not out against India A in early November, and has hit two centuries for South Australia this domestic season.
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