New Delhi: Greenhorn Australian opener Nathan McSweeney has begun his mental preparations on facing India’s formidable pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah in the opening Test of Border-Gavaskar series.
The high-voltage series begins from November 22 with McSweeney set to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the Australia’s batting order after being included in the hosts’ 13-member squad for the opening Test in Perth.
The uncapped batter was drafted in after impressive recent performances at domestic level and for Australia A, He would have the big boots of retired opener David Warner after Steve Smith’s promotion uo the order didn’t yield desired results.
McSweeney has already started analysing video clips of Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who would operate with new ball for India.
“I’ll definitely dive a lot deeper into it when I get to Perth, but I can’t help myself,” McSweeney told Australian radio station SEN on Tuesday.
“I’ve looked at a few clips of what they’re bowling attack stacks up like. I’m just trying to visualise how I’m going to go about it. Facing a new bowler can be a slight challenge to just pick up their action.
“I’ve got a whole week before I head off to Perth so I can get mentally ready and I guess it starts now in preparation to hopefully start really well. But there’s probably not (much you can do to replicate how Bumrah bowls).
“Obviously he’s got a unique action, he’s one of the best bowlers in the world, so it’s going to be hard to mimic that, that’s for sure. I’m just looking forward to all of that and I can’t wait.”
‘Ready for the challenge’
The right hander is fifth on the list of leadinf run scorers in Australia’s Sheffield Shield domestic competition and was among runs for Australia A’s two tour games against India A.
McSweeney has been in the reckoning for a few years and believes he is ready to excel at the highest level.
“In the last month or so I really feel like I’m batting the best I ever have. I think I’m the best I’ve ever been prepared to take this opportunity, so hopefully I can do that,” the 25-year-old said.
“No doubt there’s plenty of learning and experiences that I haven’t experienced yet and I’m looking forward to learning all about the challenges of Test cricket and challenging my game against the very best.
“There’s plenty of learning to go and plenty of improvement I hope, but I definitely feel like this is the best I’ve played and I’m ready for the challenge.”
Untried Nathan McSweeney ist set to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the Australia’s batting order after being included in their 13-member squad for the opening Test against India Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
