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Nathan McSweeney’s spot in the Australian 11 is not guaranteed as reports suggested that the Australian selectors could be eyeing changes to counter the brilliance of Jasprit Bumrah.
Nathan McSweeney could be dropped in the fourth Test against India. (AFP Photo)
The Australian team could look to change up their opening pair with Nathan McSweeney’s spot at the top of the order not guaranteed for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
According to a report by the Sydney Morning Herald, sources suggested that the hosts could look to take a more proactive approach with top order after seeing Bumrah’s dominance with the ball. McSweeney who was handed the debut during the opening Test has only crossed a score of 10 once in the past six innings.
The report suggested that the squad for the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney is expected to be revealed on Friday and the team would come into training two days later. With Hazlewood’s injury, it is almost certain that Scott Boland gets into the starting 11.
In addition, Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster are expected to retain their spots with the pair of Sean Abbott and Brendan Doggett being considered as back-up options as the back-up quicks.
Australia’s batting as a collective has not been at their best. The lack of starts from the opening pair, coupled with the middle-order’s repeated failures barring Travis Head has put the Aussies in a precarious position.
In the 3rd Test at Brisbane however, Smith and Head managed to give the hosts substantial advantage by smashing centuries to put them in front. Should the weather not have played a role, it could have seen the home side take a win.
With both teams having one win in the bag, the final two Tests have even more importance considering that a win could put them in the driver’s seat to take the series. With the World Test Championship final for the 2023-25 cycle also at stake, both teams would look to take wins as quickly as they can to ensure their spots for the title.
The Boxing Day Test at the MCG will be a tough contest between two equally matched sides. Both teams have their fair share of strengths and weaknesses which could see a heated contest in Melbourne. It remains to be seen if Australia would make changes to their side, barring any forced ones due to injuries.
