Just two innings into his career as a first-class opener, Nathan McSweeney is set 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 has moved to South Australia in search of more opportunities in 2021, won the race to be Usman Khawaja’s opening partner for the start of the blockbuster Test series against India.
McSweeney will become the first Australian in 47 years to make his Test debut as an opener despite never having batted there at Sheffield Shield level.
Not everyone is a fan of the move, however, and former Test opener Ed Cowan suggested the selectors were “guessing”, explaining that the data on McSweeney facing 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 “every selection is literally a guess.”
Sports reporter Ben Dorries also disagreed with Cowan’s comments and criticized Cowan’s playing record on social media.
“What’s up with one of the greatest Test batsmen Australia has ever produced (laughing emoji), Ed Cowan, giving it to Nathan McSweeney before the kid made his debut?” he posted on X.
Former Test opener Ed Cowan (pictured) has found himself in a war of words with reporter Ben Dorries over the selection of Nathan McSweeney.
Dorries (pictured) criticized Cowan’s playing record and said the former Test star was being too harsh on the youngster, who is yet to make his debut for Australia.
‘Ed Cowan. Yes, Ed Cowan. Spell. There are even more Australians cheering for McSweeney now. Go son.’
It didn’t take long for Cowan to respond to Dorries.
‘Ben Dorries: the ultimate hitman turned marshmallow?’ he responded.
He has ridden more races than Les Burdett has lands! If you really listen to me (too busy no doubt preparing another hatchet job), I will cheer you on at every dance like we all should be. It was about the process.’
Dorries returned the service to Cowan, posting: “I’m not a big ABC fan.” But I’m not sure how saying the “data” suggests that you don’t have the temperament or the technique to do it actually has to do with the “process.” Whatever that means. Total babble. I’ll run out and throw some marshmallows on the fire.
McSweeney will become Australia’s 467th Test player, and the first since spinner Matt Kuhnemann debuted in Delhi in February 2023.
The right-hander will almost certainly face the first ball, something he is prepared for.
McSweeney (pictured) won the race to be Usman Khawaja’s initial partner
“I hear ‘Uzzy’ (Khawaja) is not a big fan,” a beaming McSweeney said Sunday.
‘I faced the first ball in both innings here (at the MCG) so I’m comfortable with that.
‘A couple of guys have already told me that.
‘Apart from exiting a position earlier than I normally do, my preparation is exactly the same.
“I came in with the new ball batting at three, and you can be there in the first over of the game.”
McSweeney beat Marcus Harris for the vacant spot, created when Steve Smith returned to the 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, even missed out on being part of the expanded squad after the selectors picked Australian wicketkeeper Josh Inglis as a substitute batsman.
The youngster will become the first Australian in 47 years to make his Test debut as an opener despite never having batted there at Sheffield Shield level.
Left-handed Harris scored 74 for Australia A at the MCG but also fell into the golden duck trap in the second innings.
After batting at number 4 for Australia A in Mackay, McSweeney swapped places with teenage NSW opener Sam Konstas.
Bailey had seen enough to pick McSweeney for the first Test at Optus Stadium and said the final game of the tour was the “icing on the cake”.
“We really value Australian A cricket,” Bailey said.
“It is important to put a little responsibility in these games
“It would have been disrespectful to the game to have announced this team a week ago, we wanted to play it and get as much information as possible.”
“They don’t necessarily send someone from the bottom up, but they still gather good cases.”
