Even though he is batting third for South Australia, McSweeney is firmly in the mix and has a chance to make his Test debut and has made an excellent start to the Sheffield Shield season with scores of 55, 127 not out, 37 and 72 . .
He was touted as a Test captain of the future, highlighted by his appointment as Australia A skipper, a role he had performed several times previously. McSweeney also led the Prime Minister’s XI once and captained the Brisbane Heat to the BBL title last season.
McSweeney’s prowess and highly regarded leadership credentials (his tactical ability impressed observers in his debut season as South Australian captain) have given national selectors a chance to consider whether he can take on the unfamiliar role of opening. It has proven persuasive.
“I think I’m probably playing the best cricket I’ve ever had, batting at No. 3 for South Australia and pretty much my entire career,” McSweeney told reporters in Mackay.
“It’s not that different from an opening. You feel like you can be there for the first over of the game. All the preparation is done with the new ball, so it feels like the game is ready.
“I hope I get the opportunity. If not, I’ll just keep trying to get better and see what happens.”
McSweeney has been tight-lipped about his place in Australia A’s batting order, but he is likely to retain his customary role at number three.
“I’m very clear about where I need to bat in this game. It’s a great honor to play for Australia and I’m happy to bat anywhere,” he said. “Hopefully I can take my chances where I do and the selectors will pick it up because I’m not sure what’s going to happen in the next game.
“I think it’s a great honor to talk about playing for your country… Try and embrace the conversation. All I can do is prepare as best I can and prepare the other boys.
“There are so many players playing well that hopefully we can all get our chance and make things really difficult for the selectors.”
While the national focus is set to be absorbed into the so-called ‘bat-off’, reaching near-frenzied levels at Mackay and the MCG, Australia A will face a talented India A line-up in their next contest. Wet conditions in northeast Queensland.
India A has several members of the Test squad, including 21-year-old all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, looking to adapt to Australian conditions and make a strong start to the tour.
“It will be great to play those guys, we personally only get to see them on TV (IPL),” McSweeney said. “The wicket looks good. I don’t think we will rely too much on the toss. I think we have some good players with bat and ball.
“We have to give our best and hopefully we can perform well and win Australia A.”
Tristan Lavalette is a Perth-based journalist.
