Fox Cricket commentator David Warner has given Australia’s top six bats one final blessing ahead of this Friday’s Test summer opener against India, and noted the country must be “patient” with his opening successor Nathan McSweeney.
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Speaking to fans and media at the launch of Australia’s Summer of Cricket on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports, the 112-Test superstar backed the uncapped incumbent to hold his own against India’s bowling attack – as well as his long-time counterparts.
“Nathan McSweeney’s got a good technique (and) we know he can bat for long periods of time,” Warner stated.
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“And then (there’s) Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, who probably in their right mind, are overdue for some runs.
“I think Marnus is really up for the series; I’m hoping that he has a big series for Australia.”
McSweeney, who was chosen to play in the national side this summer ahead of tried openers Marcus Harris and Cam Bancroft, has opened the batting at first-class level just once before — in his most recent match against India A at the MCG only two weeks ago.
But despite his inexperience in the role, Warner believes he can take the opportunity with both hands; and importantly, pair well with veteran Usman Khawaja.
“It’s a great time for him to come in; it’s a big series,” Warner continued.
“I think he’s got the technique (and) the patience to partner up with Uzzie to allow himself to score big.
“I’ve pencilled him (McSweeney) in for the highest run score this (summer), so I’m looking forward to that. I’m also looking forward to seeing how he adapts batting with someone like Usman Khawaja as well, because it’s a partnership that you have to build.
“We’ve just got to be patient with all the guys that are coming through now. Uzzie is touching on 38 now as well, he’s probably got another 12 to 18 months to go.
“He’s (McSweeney) 25 years of age; you’ve got to give guys a crack … it’d be exciting just to see him score some runs first (and) establish himself — but if he doesn’t, just give him some time, give him maybe two summers.”
Warner: “Marnus will have a big series” | 02:54
Runs for some of the country’s best batters have dried up ever so slightly in recent years, with both Australian and foreign bowlers cashing in as best as they can.
And as a result, Warner is hoping for pitches this summer that aid batters more than they have in recent seasons.
“I think the wickets have been conducive to fast bowling (in) the last 18 months to two years,” Warner stated.
“I think you look at India in India specifically as well; there’s been the one-off batter that’s been scoring big runs, but everyone else has just been contributing.
“I think that’s (also) been the nature in Australia. You look at Travis Head (and) Mitch Marsh coming out of the blocks in the middle order, and runs are flying at a high strike rate, it sort of sets the game up for the middle order.
“As I said, the wickets have been quite challenging – hopefully this year we get some better batting wickets, being batting biased, because I know what our fast bowlers are capable of. You’ve got over 1,000 wickets in that armour, so I’m excited for them.”
The first Test between Australia and India gets underway at Perth Stadium on Friday at 1.20pm AEDT.
FIXTURES
1st Test, 22-26 November: Australia vs India — Optus Stadium, Perth (1:20pm AEDT)
2nd Test, 6-10 December: Australia vs India — Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (3pm AEDT)
3rd Test, 14-18 December: Australia vs India — The Gabba, Brisbane (11:20pm AEDT)
4th Test, 26-30 December: Australia vs India — MCG, Melbourne (10:30am AEDT)
5th Test, 3-7 January: Australia vs India — SCG, Sydney (10:30am AEDT)
HOW TO WATCH
All five games will be broadcast LIVE to Foxtel and Kayo on Australia’s only dedicated 24/7 cricket channel FOX CRICKET.
Kayo Sports has announced the return of a dedicated Hindi feed during the upcoming Test series, reinforcing Foxtel Group’s commitment to promoting the accessibility and diversity of sport for all Australians.
