As Green heads to World Cup, an axed contender will push for his Test place

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One-time Test opener Nathan McSweeney believes he is a changed cricketer since his brief and ill-fated international foray, as he seeks to become the heir apparent to a retired great at the expense of the nation’s most hyped talent.

The Queenslander-turned-South Australia captain was thrust into uncharted waters when he faced the new ball for the first time against India last summer, before being replaced by Sam Konstas after three appearances.

Nathan McSweeney will have four Sheffield Shield games before Australia’s next Test series to prove he deserves the chance to replace the retired Usman Khawaja.

While Usman Khawaja’s retirement after the Ashes was expected to give Cameron Green a reprieve for Australia’s next series against Bangladesh in August, Green’s appearance in February’s T20 World Cup will give McSweeney a chance to usurp him.

Green struggled for consistency against England, scoring 171 runs at an average of 24.43, and was outplayed by fellow all-rounder Beau Webster in the final clash in Sydney.

McSweeney, who averaged 14.40 during his Test foray, revealed that since his axing, he has been in regular communication with Steve Smith, who he will face on Sunday night when the Heat play the Sydney Sixers at the Gabba for a place in the Big Bash League finals.

“In Test cricket, it’s pretty impressive to see how quick he is to problem-solve. He’s someone who has played for a long period of time and doesn’t look [like] what we think is technically correct, but just finds ways to get it done,” McSweeney said of his time in the Australian fold with Smith.

“[Smith’s] technique is probably a little bit rogue, and you wouldn’t teach everyone to bat like that, but what he does well is, he’s continually adapting.

“I tried to pick his brain as much as I could around how he goes about facing different bowlers and different conditions. I still touch base on WhatsApp and talk to him about what he thinks about my game and how I can get better.”

Despite McSweeney’s struggles against Indian spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Travis Head’s success as an opener against England has opened the door for the right-hander to force his way into the side in a more familiar role in the middle order.

While Green travels to the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, McSweeney – who feels he is a better player for his stint in the Baggy Green – will have four Sheffield Shield games to prove his worth.

He will do so hopeful of recapturing the form he had when entering the Heat’s tournament, having struck an unbeaten 226 for Australia A against the England Lions.

“Facing Bumrah was a great challenge, and I am better for it. I feel like I’ve mentally got a different outlook on batting,” McSweeney said.

“Technically, I probably haven’t changed a whole heap, but I’ve continued to try and work out little ways I can adapt to each bowler. For me, it’s about trying not to be as fixed, and just adapt to what’s coming down at me.”

Opportunities will be plenty for Australian aspirants during a gruelling calendar, which could include as many as 21 Tests in 11 months.

The first nine matches in that schedule will be in more pace-friendly Australian and South African conditions. However, 2027’s tour to India will give the country’s leading spin players a chance to press their credentials.

Josh Inglis and McSweeney – who toured with the Test squad to Sri Lanka last year, and struck two half-centuries in three innings for Australia A in India – feature in that category.

“I was very lucky they took me over [to Sri Lanka], and I worked as hard as I could to try to work out a method that, if I were to play, I could implement. From all those experiences, if I did get an opportunity to play over there, I’d be better for it,” McSweeney said.

“There’s going to be opportunity, and I’d love to play for Australia again. I loved every minute of wearing the Baggy Green, and it’s something you think about every day.”

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