Nathan McSweeney hopes to return to the Test team, intends to make a place in the team after Khawaja

Despite poor performance in the Border-Gavaskar series, Australian opener Nathan McSweeney has not given up hope of returning to the Test team. 23-year-old McSweeney has said that he will try to replace Usman Khawaja in the team after his retirement.

McSweeney opened with Khawaja in the first three Test matches against India, but due to his disappointing performance, he was replaced by Sam Constas in the Boxing Day Test. 19-year-old Constas impressed with a blistering half-century on his debut.

Khawaja’s retirement in focus

Pakistan-origin batsman Usman Khawaja, 38, has hinted that he may retire after the Ashes next summer.

• McSweeney’s statement:
  • Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, McSweeney said:
    “I would love to come back to the Test team. Ussi (Usman Khawaja) has been brilliant, but if the opportunity comes and he retires, I would love to replace him.”

Conflict in Border-Gavaskar series

McSweeney’s performance in the series against India was disappointing.

• Statistics:
  • His average in three Test matches was only 14.40.
  • Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah dismissed him four times.
• shift:
  • He was dropped in the Boxing Day Test due to poor performance.

Future plans: Will talk to selectors

McSweeney said that he is focusing on improving his batting and game.

• Communication with selectors:
  • “I have to work on my game and talk to the selectors about where I can get my chances and what I need to do to get back there.”
• Ready to play on any number:
  • “I am ready to bat at any position. Hopefully one day I will play Test cricket again.”

performance in domestic cricket

McSweeney bats mainly at number three or four in domestic cricket.

• challenge:
  • He was fielded as an opening batsman in the Test, but was seen struggling against the Indian bowling attack.

Sam Constas’ rising star

Sam Constas, who came in place of McSweeney, performed brilliantly in his debut match.

• Half century:
  • He scored a explosive half-century in the Boxing Day Test.
• Chances of securing a place in the team:
  • Kontas’s performance can keep him in the team for a long time.