“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.”
McSweeney is averaging 14.4 across three Tests in the series after being picked by selectors to open the batting with only one match of first-class experience doing so. He usually bats at No.3 or No.4 in Sheffield Shield for South Australia.
Nathan McSweeney. Credit: Getty Images
Victorian Marcus Harris and NSW young gun Sam Konstas were overlooked for the Indian series.
A squad for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests is expected to be unveiled on Friday afternoon, with the team to convene for training from Monday. Scott Boland is almost certain to come in for the injured Josh Hazlewood at the MCG.
All-rounder Beau Webster and Inglis are likely to be retained in the squad, with Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett also options to be included as back-up pace bowlers.
Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh, all more established members of the team, have also been below their best at points in this series.
Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood says he is hopeful of making Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka next month after picking up a “frustrating” calf injury at the Gabba.
Hazlewood bowled just six overs in India’s first innings before scans confirmed a calf tear that would keep him out of the series.
“That’s probably the goal,” Hazlewood told Seven News. “Just take it as it comes the next few weeks, no real rush to anything. Probably taking a few extra days here and there, and ticking things off and getting everything right.
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“I ticked every box heading into the Test. I can understand if it was my side again, and I was a bit underdone, but this is sort of just a random calf strain. We’ll do a deep dive into it and see what we can come up with, but it feels pretty random.
“I’ve had little history of side and calf [injuries]. They’re probably the two things that have kept me out for the majority over the last four years.
“They’re only a little two, three-week injuries. It’s just the timing of it and missing big games. So that’s probably the frustrating thing.”
Hazlewood could make his return to cricket for the Sydney Sixers during the Big Bash before the Sri Lanka tour, provided he recovers in time.