Nathan McSweeney prepares for India challenge by watching Bumrah videos

Nathan McSweeney and Josh Inglis are the top two contenders to pair up with Usman Khawaja as Australia’s opener for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. McSweeney, it seems, will be the favoured one as the Queenslander, who led Australia A in the two-match series four-day series against India A, has already started preparing for the first Test in Perth from November 22. 

“I’m just trying to visualise how I’m going to go about it. Facing a new bowler can be a slight challenge to just pick up their action,” SEN quoted McSweeney as saying. 

The 25-year-old is aware that Jasprit Bumrah is the biggest threat to him with the new ball. However, he was also practical about the fact that just by watching videos, he could not decipher Bumrah.

“But there’s probably not (much you can do to replicate what Bumrah brings in the nets). He’s got a unique action, he’s one of the best bowlers in the world, so it’s going to be hard to mimic that, that’s for sure,” said the South Australian.

Talking about his form, McSweeney said, “I think I’m the best I’ve ever been prepared to take this opportunity, so hopefully I can do that.”

The Brisbane-born has scored six fifties and three centuries in his last 10 matches. Against India A, he played a significant knock of unbeaten 88 in the first Test as his team chased the target down with ease. 

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