McSweeney: “I’d bat anywhere, wherever” for Australia

Nathan McSweeney is prepared to “bat wherever” this summer if it meant achieving his childhood dream of playing for the Australian cricket team.

“Definitely, as a kid that’s the dream to get a baggy green, I’d bat wherever, wherever,” 25-year-old McSweeney said. “Batting three, your preparation is pretty similar, all my prep is with the new ball. Sometimes you’re in there second ball of the game.”

“I would love to play for Australia, no doubt,” the South Australian continued.

“It’s what I’ve dreamed of as a kid, and I’d bat anywhere they told me to if I got picked.”

McSweeney, who’s been captaining South Australia in the Sheffield Shield so far this season, bats at three. Should he make the squad—which is very likely with one spare bowler and one spare batter expected to be named—he would be competing against Marnus Labuschagne to walk out one spot ahead of the reshuffled Steve Smith.

The 25-year-old’s not worried if that head-to-head meant he moved up to partner Usman Khawaja in the openers or that he won the spot over Labuschagne (who would then move instead).

“All I can really control is make sure that I prepare really well for South Australia and keep trying to punch out runs and hopefully get us in positions to keep winning Shield games like we’re able to do today,” McSweeney said on Sportsday SA after play during the Shield. He had just captained SA to a big win over Labuschagne-led Queensland.

“I’ll leave that up to the experts, I’ll just keep trying to do my bit.

“I haven’t [thought about moving up the order].

“My role at three is where I think is the best position for me to bat in this team.

“All I’m trying to do is make sure I can put South Australia in a good position to win games of cricket.”

The Sporting Base sees McSweeney as a straight inclusion, should he keep his Sheffield Shield form chugging along. The other new batter in the squad will come down to the summer’s breakout star Sam Konstas or 2021 T20 champ Josh Inglis.

In the bowling, Michael Neser looks likely to beat Scott Boland to the reserve bowling spot.