NEW DELHI: Nathan McSweeney has been tasked to open on his Australia debut despite not being a specialist in that position but David Warner believes the young batter has got the technique and expects him to score big.
The first Test of the blockbuster Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on November 22 in Perth and debutant McSweeney is all set to share the opening responsibilities alongside Usman Khawaja.
Up against the likes of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, McSweeney has his task cut out in the debut Test series but Warner believes that it is a great time for the 25-year-old to test himself at the highest level.
“Nathan McSweeney’s got a good technique (and) we know he can bat for long periods of time,” Warner told Fox Sports.
“And then (there’s) Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who probably in their right mind, are overdue for some runs.
“I think Marnus is really up for the series; I’m hoping that he has a big series for Australia.”
“It’s a great time for him (McSweeney) to come in; it’s a big series,” Warner continued.
“I think he’s got the technique (and) the patience to partner up with Uzzie to allow himself to score big.
Since Warner’s retirement in January this year, there has been no firm contender to partner Khawaja at the top. Steve Smith had initially stepped into the role of opener but he failed to shine and will revert to his usual No. 4 slot, behind Marnus Labuschagne.
McSweeney, who usually plays at number three for his state Queensland, has now been tasked to open and Warner wants the Australian side to be patient with the youngster.
“I’ve pencilled him (McSweeney) in for the highest run score this (summer), so I’m looking forward to that. I’m also looking forward to seeing how he adapts batting with someone like Usman Khawaja as well, because it’s a partnership that you have to build.
“We’ve just got to be patient with all the guys that are coming through now. Uzzie is touching on 38 now as well, he’s probably got another 12 to 18 months to go.
“He’s (McSweeney) 25 years of age; you’ve got to give guys a crack … it’d be exciting just to see him score some runs first (and) establish himself — but if he doesn’t, just give him some time, give him maybe two summers,” Warner added.
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