Cricket

Nathan McSweeney has been selected to open the batting for Australia in the first Test against India in Perth, partnering Usman Khawaja. The 24-year-old has been in impressive form for South Australia and Australia A, earning him the nod ahead of specialist openers like Marcus Harris.McSweeney's selection is a testament to his recent performances, which include two half-centuries against India A at the MCG. Despite failing to convert those starts into big scores, his technique and temperament have impressed the selectors."Nathan has displayed the attributes we believe will equip him well for Test cricket along with a strong recent record in domestic cricket," said chair of selectors George Bailey. "His performances for South Australia and Australia A weighed in his favor and supports our view he is ready for the opportunity at Test level."Josh Inglis has also been included in the 13-player squad as the reserve batter. The 27-year-old has been in excellent touch in the Sheffield Shield competition, scoring three centuries in his last five innings.Scott Boland has been named as the back-up quick bowler behind captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. The 33-year-old has been a reliable performer when given the opportunity at Test level and remains a valued member of the squad.Marcus Harris, who scored a hard-fought 74 in the first innings against India A, has missed out on selection. Sam Konstas, who sealed victory in the match with a fine innings at No. 4, has also been overlooked, as has Cameron Bancroft, who has been in poor form.

Nathan McSweeney's impressive performance in the first four-day match against India A has solidified his position as a leading contender for the vacant opening spot in Australia's Test side. The Australia A captain will open alongside Marcus Harris in the second match at the MCG, a clear indication of their status as frontrunners.McSweeney's standout performance in Mackay, where he guided Australia A to victory with an unbeaten 88, has earned him high praise. "I'm really confident in my game," he said. "I'm progressing and I'm batting some of the best innings I've played."The 24-year-old has never opened in his first-class career, but his recent form has made him a viable option. Another possibility is for him to bat at his usual No. 3 spot, with Marnus Labuschagne moving up the order."You could do," said captain Pat Cummins. "Maybe once we we kind of start discussing who's in the side, then you start looking at the batting order."The Australia A XI for the second match includes three specialist openers: Harris, McSweeney, and Cameron Bancroft. Harris' 36 in the second innings was the highest score among them.The selectors will use the second match to gather final information before announcing the Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Series. Australia will name a 13-player squad with two batting spots up for grabs.McSweeney's strong performance has put him in a prime position to earn a Test debut. If selected, he will be eager to prove his worth and cement his place in the Australian team.

Australia A emerged victorious in the first unofficial Test against India A, securing a seven-wicket win at Mackay on Sunday. The triumph gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.India A, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were dismissed for a paltry 107 runs in their first innings. Devdutt Padikkal (36), Sai Sudharsan (21), and Navdeep Saini (23) were the only batsmen to reach double figures. Brendan Doggett was the star performer for Australia A with a six-wicket haul, while Jordan Buckingham, Todd Murphy, and Fergus O'Neill chipped in with one wicket each.In response, Australia A posted 195 runs, taking an 88-run lead. Nathan McSweeney (39), Beau Webster (33), and Cooper Connolly (37) made significant contributions. Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna were the tormentors for India A, claiming six and three wickets, respectively.India A's second innings saw a resurgence as Sai Sudharsan (103) and Devdutt Padikkal (88) forged a 200-run partnership. Ishan Kishan also contributed with a solid 32. India A was eventually bowled out for 312, setting Australia A a target of 225 runs.Australia A's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost three early wickets. However, McSweeney (88) and Webster (61) steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. McSweeney's innings was particularly impressive, lasting 178 balls and featuring nine boundaries. Webster's contribution of 61 runs in 117 balls helped Australia A secure the victory with seven wickets to spare.

Australia A, chasing 225, are on the cusp of victory against India A, needing just 86 more runs with seven wickets in hand. Nathan McSweeney, batting at No. 4, has impressed with an unbeaten 47, bolstering his case for a Test debut.Ricky Ponting, Australia's former captain, has endorsed McSweeney for the vacant opening spot in the Test line-up, citing his experience and adaptability. McSweeney has faced over 200 deliveries in the ongoing match, showcasing his ability to handle challenging conditions.Despite starts from Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, and Marcus Harris, none could convert them into substantial scores. Konstas was dismissed for 15, while Bancroft and Harris fell for 18 and 36, respectively.India A's innings ended on 312, with Sai Sudharsan scoring a century and Devdutt Padikkal contributing 88. Todd Murphy was the standout bowler for Australia A, claiming three wickets, including Sudharsan and Padikkal.Fergus O'Neill also impressed with three wickets, while Beau Webster and Murphy picked up one each. India A lost their last eight wickets for 86 runs, handing Australia A the advantage.With the second match of the series set to take place in Melbourne next week, the performance of McSweeney and the other opening contenders will be closely scrutinized as Australia seeks to finalize their Test squad.

Former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy have endorsed Nathan McSweeney as the ideal candidate to fill the vacant opening slot in the national team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. With David Warner's retirement and Steve Smith's return to his preferred number 4 position, Australia is seeking a reliable opening partner for Usman Khawaja.McSweeney, the captain of Australia A, has impressed with his recent performances, scoring 291 runs in his last four innings, including a century in the Sheffield Shield and the One-Day Cup. Ponting believes McSweeney's experience and leadership qualities make him the most suitable choice."He's got the most out of any of those guys from the 'A' game in Australia at the moment," Ponting said. "And he's more experienced. He has captained Australia A in the past, and he's captaining them now. So, I'm leaning towards McSweeney now for that opening role at the start of the Australian summer."Healy echoed Ponting's sentiments, praising McSweeney's batting ability and maturity. "I was glad people could see how Nathan McSweeney can bat yesterday," Healy said. "He showed that at 25 years of age, he's the most ready of the four."Ponting also suggested that Australia's decision to experiment with Smith as an opener indicated their willingness to consider younger players. "Another thing that I'd said then was that I don't think they'd go back to a Bancroft or Harris because if they're willing to do that they would've done it the last year," Ponting added.With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to commence on November 22, the Australian selectors face a crucial decision in choosing the opening partner for Khawaja. McSweeney's impressive form and leadership qualities have made him the frontrunner for the role, and his selection would signal a new era for Australian cricket.

Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney is confident in his ability to open the batting in the first Test against India, should the selectors opt for a non-specialist. The race to partner Usman Khawaja has narrowed down to two four-day matches between Australia A and India A.McSweeney, who typically bats at No. 3 for South Australia, has impressed with his recent performances, including scores of 55, 127 not out, 37, and 72 in the Sheffield Shield season. His strong form and leadership credentials have caught the attention of the national selectors."I think I'm playing probably the best cricket I have, batting No. 3 for South Australia, and pretty much my whole career," McSweeney said. "It's not too dissimilar to opening. I feel like you can be in there the first over of the game. All my preparation is with the new ball, so I feel like my game's ready."While McSweeney is eager for an opportunity to open, he remains focused on his current role at No. 3. "I'm quite clear where I'm batting for this game. It's a great honor to play for Australia and I'm happy to bat wherever," he said.Australia A will face a talented India A side in the upcoming four-day match in Mackay. India A boasts several Test squad members, including allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy. McSweeney is excited about the challenge and believes his team can perform well."It will be nice to play those guys. We only see them on TV [in the IPL], for me personally," McSweeney said. "The wicket looks great, I don't think it will be too toss dependent. I think with the bat and the ball, they've got some great players.""We'll need to be at our best and hopefully we can put in a good performance and get the win for Australia A."

Queensland's One-Day Cup campaign got off to a flying start with a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Australia at Allan Border Field. Despite a valiant century from South Australian skipper Nathan McSweeney, the Bulls chased down the target with ease, securing a bonus point in the process.Left-arm paceman Liam Guthrie played a pivotal role in the victory, claiming three quick wickets in six overs to put the visitors on the back foot. Tom Straker also chipped in with three wickets, including the dangerous Alex Carey.McSweeney, who is in contention for a Test berth against India, played a lone hand for South Australia, scoring a magnificent 137 off 131 balls. However, his efforts were not enough to prevent the Bulls from cruising to victory.Wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson led the charge for Queensland, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 98 balls. Peirson's innings was a masterclass in strokeplay, with the left-hander showcasing his full range of shots.Test hopeful Matt Renshaw also played a key role, scoring an unbeaten 72 off 52 balls. Renshaw's innings was a timely reminder of his talent and will give him confidence ahead of the upcoming Test series.The victory was a welcome boost for Queensland, who had lost their first two matches of the One-Day Cup. It also served as a reminder of the depth of talent in the Bulls' squad.

Nathan McSweeney's masterful century propelled South Australia to a competitive total of 271 against ladder-leading Tasmania on day one of their Sheffield Shield clash at Blundstone Arena.McSweeney, a player on the radar of national selectors, anchored the Redbacks' innings with a gritty 117 from 174 deliveries. Despite being dropped early on, he seized the opportunity to punish the Tasmanian bowlers, particularly after the Redbacks found themselves in a precarious position at 195 for 8.McSweeney's partnership with Brendan Doggett, who contributed just one run, proved crucial in rescuing South Australia from the brink. The 25-year-old reached his fifth Shield century with a boundary off Beau Webster, showcasing his resilience and determination.Tasmania's bowlers, led by Nathan McAndrew, made early inroads into the Redbacks' batting lineup. McAndrew's three wickets, including the dismissals of Jake Weatherald and Henry Hunt, left South Australia reeling at 27 for 3.In reply, Tasmania's openers, Matthew Wade and Gabe Bell, managed to weather the storm and remain unbeaten at stumps. However, the hosts still trail by a significant 244 runs, putting them on the back foot heading into day two.South Australia, currently fifth on the ladder, may not be in contention for the Shield final, but a victory could deny Tasmania the chance to host the decider next week. The Redbacks will be looking to build on McSweeney's heroics and continue their momentum, while Tasmania will need to find a way to contain the South Australian batsmen and make inroads into their batting lineup.