Nathan McSweeney could be dropped after three Tests as opener with selectors searching for an answer to Jasprit Bumrah’s stranglehold over the Australian top order.
McSweeney is under pressure to retain his spot after passing 10 just once in six innings this series with Bumrah claiming his wicket four times.
Reserve batter Josh Inglis is in the frame to come into the team in the unaccustomed position of opener as a way of taking the attack to Bumrah, according to a report in The Age.
The Western Australian keeper usually bats in the middle order in first-class cricket but he is a quicker scorer than McSweeney and could get the Australian innings off to a more positive start when the fourth Test gets underway on Boxing Day at the MCG.
McSweeney, opening partner Usman Khawaja and first drop Marnus Labuschagne have struggled against the new ball, particularly against Bumrah, who has 21 wickets for the series.
The 25-year-old South Australian skipper is averaging 14.4 with Labuschagne (16.4) and Khawaja (12.6) also in the doldrums.
McSweeney, who was out nicking in both innings in the drawn third Test in Brisbane, told Nine he was hopeful of getting another chance to prove he was up to this level.
“Personally, not ideal for me, but I think we played really well this Test and unfortunately the weather wasn’t on our side. Very much looking forward to Boxing Day.
“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 selectors are set to announce their squad on Friday for the fourth Test with NSW rising star Sam Konstas another option to add scoring punch at opener.
Nathan McSweeney is dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Former Test selector Merv Hughes said bringing Konstas in now would be a “panic call”.
“It would have been a bold call bringing him in at the start of the season,” Hughes told The Daily Telegraph. “Now it would almost be a panic call to me.
“There’s not that much they can do with the scheduling now. All the state players are into Big Bash mode.
“Just stay calm. They drew the last Test. The last two Tests have been a draw and a win, so what is there to panic about.”
Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster is a chance to replace Mitchell Marsh who failed in both innings with the bat in Brisbane and was only given two overs of bowling.
Scott Boland is all but certain to replace Josh Hazlewood after he broke down with a calf injury at the Gabba with Sean Abbott, Brendan Doggett and Xavier Bartlett in the mix to be in the squad.
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2024/12/20/mcsweeneys-spot-in-danger-as-selectors-weigh-up-surprise-opener-panic-call-to-counter-bumrahs-brilliance/McSweeney’s spot in danger as selectors weigh up surprise opener ‘panic call’ to counter Bumrah’s brilliance
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