Nathan McSweeney eyes Test recall with strong Sheffield Shield performance
What's the story
South Australia captain Nathan McSweeney is eager to reclaim his spot in the Australian Test side. With one opening slot yet to be filled for the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June, McSweeney sees this as a potential opportunity. The 25-year-old debuted as Australia's Test opener at the start of the Border-Gavaskar series but was dropped after three Tests, having scored just 72 runs in six innings.
Career path
McSweeney's journey: From Test opener to potential county player
Despite his early exit from the Border-Gavaskar series, McSweeney was included in the Sri Lanka tour but didn't play. He was a backup batter for Sam Konstas and was sent home to play Sheffield Shield when Travis Head moved up to open and Josh Inglis took over middle-order duties. With Head returning to No. 5 for the WTC final, McSweeney's performances in upcoming matches could be crucial for his potential recall.
Performance review
McSweeney's Sheffield Shield performance sparks Test recall hopes
McSweeney scored 60 runs off 199 balls against Victoria, a performance that has rekindled hopes of his Test recall. "All I can do is make runs and get back to being a consistent run-scorer which is what got me the opportunity in the first place," the player said, as per ESPNcricinfo. "So wherever my spot is, if the opportunity comes I'm happy to bat wherever. And I think my game is suited to that," he added.
Future plans
McSweeney eyes County cricket opportunity amid Sheffield Shield focus
McSweeney said he would love to play County cricket if the opportunity comes. But for now, he is concentrating on the Sheffield Shield final and South Australia's next matches. "I'd love to get over and play some county cricket but at this stage I'm just staying in Adelaide," he said, adding that he hasn't looked beyond the next couple of weeks for his team.
Summary
Summary of the South Australia versus Victoria ongoing clash
South Australia rode on McSweeney's 60 to score 283/10 in the 2nd innings of the Sheffield Shield clash in Melbourne. McSweeney faced 199 balls after coming in at number three. He shared a 54-run stand with Jake Lehmann for the 4th wicket. Another 56 runs were added alongside Liam Scott. For Victoria, Scott Boland claimed four scalps. Fergus O'Neill claimed a fifer. Victoria were earlier folded for 285 in the first innings and are 46/0 in the 3rd innings.
Information
McSweeney closes in on 2,500 FC runs
Skipper McSweeney has raced to 2,411 runs in First-Class cricket. He averages over 35. In addition to 13 fifties, he has 6 tons. He has surpassed 250 fours in FC cricket.