Australia has unveiled their 13-man Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with Nathan McSweeney being the headline inclusion for the first Test.
Australia’s Steve Smith experiment has failed and now the turn to youth has been obligatory.
The second match between the nations’ reserve sides served as a trial for the new opening position partnering with Usman Khawaja. Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft acting as the experienced campaigners failed to cement their dominance to claim another opportunity.
Both batters are undisputedly talented and have had great success at various stages at the domestic level. But Bancroft at 31 has had a substandard beginning to the Sheffield Shield and Harris at 32 has a Test average of a measly 25.
Therefore, it became increasingly paramount that youth take centre stage for David Warner’s replacement. Sam Konstas rose to prominence after dual centuries against South Australia in October. The New South Welshman did make an impact batting at four at the MCG for Australia A, unbeaten at 73 proving that his talent can translate to international cricket.
For a 19-year-old his time will come. Additional time at the first-class level will test his technique to ensure it stands up against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Australia’s incumbent opener consequently is Nathan McSweeney. South Australia’s captain stands a little older at 25 and therefore is battled-hardened. Highlights of 88 not out in McKay and averaging over 85 for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield in his last five first-class matches proves the necessary preparation.
Beyond the form, McSweeney’s inclusions have numerous benefits. Being right-handed poses a strong combination with Usman Khawaja alongside a strike rate of 81.95 in Australia A matches means a considered intent to create early pressure.
Crucially, McSweeney is earmarked as a future captain and a mature role model. Opportunities as captain for both his state and Australia A demonstrates a cool head on youthful shoulders. The ability to withstand pressure in the Test arena cannot be understated resulting in massive potential to create a lasting impact.
Youth has always played a critical role for Australian Test teams. Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Pat Cummins and Don Bradman all were young when debuting, defined their era and led the squad.
Nathan McSweeney. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Make no mistake, McSweeney is getting his opportunity later than the aforementioned. Regardless, David Warner was a mainstay at the top of the order, his absence has created a seismic hole that cannot be filled by veterans.
Australian selectors led by George Bailey must search for those with the potential to play a decade or longer for Australia. Supposing McSweeney fails to impact fans cannot and shouldn’t expect Harris or Bancroft to return. Sam Konstas, Harry Dixon, Cooper Connolly and Campbell Kellaway all have shown high levels of potential in youth or first-class cricket.
The future lies with these hands and whilst respect must be shown to those that have served the baggy green a shift should occur.
The benefit for selectors is this current group is still achieving world-class results. Time is a precious resource which now can be used to ensure we don’t have the slump mirroring Australia’s golden generation of the 2000s. For Nathan McSweeney, he’s earned his chance. India is a high-quality opponent which will test him but the injection of youth can hold Australia in good stead long into the future.
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