"Highest Score Of Test Summer": David Warner Backs McSweeney

November 19, 2024: David Warner, the former Australian opener, has thrown his full support behind 25-year-old Nathan McSweeney as he prepares to take on the monumental task of replacing him as Australia's opening batter for the upcoming Test summer. Warner, who is a seasoned Test cricketer, has backed McSweeney to make a significant impact, even predicting that the young batsman could score the "highest score" of the summer.

McSweeney, a South Australian batter, has been one of the most talked-about players ahead of the highly anticipated Test series between Australia and India, which kicks off with the first Test in Perth on November 22. The young opener earned his spot in the squad after impressing in the recent Australia A-India A series, where he top-scored with 166 runs across two matches, including a match-winning 88 in the first game. His strong performances helped him edge out stiff competition, including rising stars like U19 sensation Sam Konstas and experienced domestic players like Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft.

McSweeney's solid first-class record—2,252 runs in 34 matches at an average of 38.16, with six centuries and 12 fifties—has earned him a well-deserved call-up to the national team. His best score in first-class cricket is 127*, and his recent form has only bolstered his case for a prominent spot in Australia's batting lineup.

Warner, who has been one of Australia’s most consistent openers for over a decade, spoke highly of McSweeney's technique and temperament, which are essential for success in Test cricket. Speaking to Fox Cricket, Warner stated, "McSweeney has got a good technique, and we know he can bat for long periods of time." Warner believes McSweeney has the qualities needed to succeed in this high-pressure series and is looking forward to seeing how he performs, especially alongside Usman Khawaja, with whom Warner believes McSweeney could form an important opening partnership.

"I have pencilled him (McSweeney) in for the highest run score this summer," Warner added, showing confidence in the youngster's ability to make a mark. Warner also highlighted the importance of patience, urging selectors and fans to give McSweeney the time he needs to establish himself. "We’ve got to be patient with all the guys that are coming through now. Uzzie (Usman Khawaja) is touching on 38 now as well, he has probably got another 12 to 18 months to go," Warner explained. "He (McSweeney) is 25 years of age; you've got to give guys a crack… it would be exciting just to see him score some runs first and establish himself—but if he does not, just give him some time, give him maybe two summers."

McSweeney's recent form has been impressive, particularly his outstanding run this year, where he has scored 718 runs in 16 matches at an average of 51.28, with two centuries and five fifties. This strong form in domestic cricket could be enough to earn McSweeney a longer rope in the national squad, even if he faces initial setbacks in his early Test career.

The first Test of the series will take place at the Perth Stadium from November 22, followed by the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The series will then move to The Gabba in Brisbane for the third Test from December 14 to 18, before concluding with the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30, and the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

As McSweeney steps into the spotlight, he will face not only the challenge of replacing a legend like David Warner but also the immense pressure of performing against a formidable Indian side. With Warner's backing and the opportunity to showcase his talents in what promises to be a thrilling summer of cricket, McSweeney has a golden chance to cement his place in Australian cricket history.

Australia Squad for the First Test:
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.

India Squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series:
Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.

With both teams loaded with talent and a gripping series ahead, all eyes will be on McSweeney to see if he can live up to the faith shown in him by Warner and other cricketing legends.