Brisbane Heat skipper Colin Munro has implored Australian selectors to keep the faith with Nathan McSweeney, despite the Queenslander’s struggles in his fledgling Test career.
Life at the top of the order has been tough for the 25-year-old in his bid to replace the retired David Warner, after he was thrown into the furnace against India as an opener, despite his typical No.3 and No.4 roles.
Nathan McSweeney before the third Test between Australia and India.Credit: Getty Images
He showed promise in the second Test – 39 under Adelaide lights – but was unable to answer the challenge sent down by Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
His knocks of nine and four in Brisbane – falling in the second innings while hunting quick runs – have his average at just 14.4, and Australian captain Pat Cummins would not confirm if he would retain his place.
But Munro, who was captained by McSweeney last season, believed the team needed to persevere – both for his technique and leadership capabilities – despite his inexperience opening the batting.
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“His stats in the last two years have been unbelievable, and I think Aussies have stuck true to wanting their six best batters in their team, and that’s all you can ask for from selectors and captains and coaches – you stick to that formula,” the New Zealand international said.
“If he’s in their best six or seven batters in the country, then why not? To me, I think in red ball cricket he definitely is.
“Buddha [McSweeney] is just a 35-year-old, isn’t he? He’s got such a level head on his shoulders … [and] Pat Cummins isn’t going to play for the next five to 10 years.”