Just two innings into his career as a first-class opener, Nathan McSweeney is ready to take the first ball on his debut for Australia – and the selection has sparked a war of words between a former Test opener and a reporter.
The Queenslander, who moved to South Australia for more opportunities in 2021, has won the race to be Usman Khawaja’s opening partner for the start of the blockbuster Test series against India.
McSweeney becomes the first Australian in 47 years to make his Test debut as an opener, despite never batting there at Sheffield Shield level.
However, not everyone is a fan of the move, with former Test opener Ed Cowan suggesting the selectors were taking ‘a gamble’, explaining that the data on McSweeney versus a new ball does not reflect particularly well.
Cowan’s view was not shared by former player Aaron Finch, who said he liked McSweeney’s appointment and that ‘all selection is literally guesswork’.
Sports reporter Ben Dorries also disagreed with Cowan’s comments and denounced Cowan’s record on social media.
‘What about one of the greatest Test batsmen Australia has ever produced? [laughing emoji] Ed Cowan gives it to Nathan McSweeney before the kid even makes his debut,” he posted on X.
Former Test opener Ed Cowan (pictured) has become embroiled in a war of words with reporter Ben Dorries over the selection of Nathan McSweeney
Dorries (pictured) blasted Cowan’s record as he said the ex-Test star was overly harsh on the youngster, who is yet to make his debut for Australia
‘Ed Cowan. Yes, Ed Cowan. Games. There are now even more Australians cheering on McSweeney. Go son.”
It didn’t take long for Cowan to fire back at Dorries.
“Ben Dorries – the ultimate assassin turned marshmallow?” he replied.
‘Has rolled more careers than Les Burdett has wickets! If you’re really listening (no doubt too busy preparing for another hatchet job), I’ll cheer him on every ball as we all should. This was about the process.”
Dorries returned the favor to Cowan, writing, “Not a huge ABC fan. But I’m not sure how saying the ‘data’ suggests he doesn’t have the temperament or technique to do it, it’s really about the ‘process’. Whatever that all means. Total gibberish. I’m going to go for a quick jog and hit some marshmallows on the fire.”
McSweeney becomes Australia’s 467th men’s Test player, and the first since spinner Matt Kuhnemann made his debut in Delhi in February 2023.
The right-hander will almost certainly face the first pitch, something he is prepared to do.
McSweeney (pictured) won the race and became Usman Khawaja’s opening partner
“I heard that ‘Uzzy.’ [Khawaja] is not the biggest fan of it,” a beaming McSweeney said on Sunday.
‘I faced the first ball in both innings here [at the MCG]so I’m comfortable with that.
‘I’ve heard that from a few guys.
‘Apart from going out one position earlier than usual, my preparation is exactly the same.
“I’ve been training at three with the new ball, and you can be there in the first over of the match.”
McSweeney beat Marcus Harris for the vacant spot, which was created when Steve Smith was moved back to No. 4 after all-rounder Cameron Greeen was ruled out for the summer with a back injury.
Harris, who last played a Test in January 2022, has even missed out on being part of the expanded squad after the selectors picked Australian white-ball wicketkeeper Josh Inglis as reserve batsman.
The youngster becomes the first Australian in 47 years to make his Test debut as an opener, despite never batting there at Sheffield Shield level
Left-handed Harris top-scored with 74 for Australia A at the MCG, but also fell for a golden duck in the second innings.
After batting at No. 4 for Australia A in Mackay, McSweeney swapped places with NSW teenage opener Sam Konstas.
Bailey had seen enough to pick McSweeney for the first Test at Optus Stadium, and said the final tour match was the ‘icing on the cake’.
“We value Australia A cricket,” Bailey said.
‘It’s important to put a little pressure on these matches
‘It would have been disrespectful to the game if we had announced this team a week ago, we wanted to play it out and get as much information as possible.
‘They don’t necessarily send someone up from the bottom, but continue to put together good cases.’