Nathan McSweeney has emerged as the frontrunner in the race to claim the opening spot after a pair of composed and classy innings against India A
The Australian Test team is said to be harder to get into than to get out of it, but 10 months after David Warner’s long goodbye a spot at the top of the order is still there for the taking. The lack of obvious alternatives helped Warner hang on until his self-proclaimed Sydney farewell, but after an experiment with Steve Smith partnering Usman Khawaja as opener, a new frontrunner for the role is finally emerging.
Nathan McSweeney showcased his credentials with a composed 39 then added a classy, unbeaten 88 to steer Australia A to victory over India A in Mackay. The pair of contrasting knocks, the first full of fight while the next was more free-flowing without adding unnecessary risk, has edged McSweeney ahead of Test discards Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft, as well as young gun Sam Konstas in the race to replace Warner.
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Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2024/nov/03/open-and-shut-cases-how-australias-test-opener-contenders-shape-up-after-bat-off
Author : Martin Pegan
Publish date : 2024-11-03 04:05:30
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