Nathan McSweeney is determined to stay fully prepared for any future opportunities after his disappointment of missing out on a chance to represent Australia in Test cricket.
The excitement of stepping onto the international stage quickly faded for the Australian batsman, who failed to seize the opportunity to play for his country. After a string of poor performances, he was dropped from the team, a reality that has been difficult for him to accept. However, McSweeney remains resolute in his goal to be ready when another opportunity arises.
The Australian selectors had placed their bets on McSweeney during the series against India, but it didn’t go as planned. With no prior experience opening in first-class cricket, McSweeney struggled in the Test format, failing to make an impact.
In the first three Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, McSweeney scored just 72 runs in six innings, averaging 14.40 with a strike rate of 33.96. As a result, he was dropped from the squad, and young talent Sam Constance was called up.
Speaking with Channel Seven, McSweeney shared his disappointment at being left out of the team, but emphasized his commitment to fighting for a return.
“Yes, I’m devastated. I fulfilled my dream, but I wasn’t able to take advantage of the opportunity in the way I wanted. But that’s part of the game, and I’ll return to the nets with full focus and work hard. I hope to be ready for the next chance.”
McSweeney did earn praise for his 39-run innings in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide, but struggled to find comfort in the rest of his innings, particularly against India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him four times.
Acknowledging the reasons for his omission, McSweeney has accepted his situation. His focus now is to be ready for future chances.
“If you don’t make the most of an opportunity or perform how you want, your spot in the team is never secure. I missed a few chances with the bat, and unfortunately, I couldn’t make them count. But as I’ve said, if another opportunity comes, I will certainly be ready to make the most of it.”
The Boxing Day Test between Australia and India starts this Thursday in Melbourne.
