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Devastated at being dropped from the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, Nathan McSweeney responded in style in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-2025. McSweeney in a perfect retort to Australia selectors, played a match-winning knock for Brisbane Heat in their chase of 175 runs against Adelaide Strikers.
Australia's snubbed star Nathan McSweeney runs riot in BBL
McSweeney remained unbeaten on 78 runs off just 49 balls, an innings studded with 10 fours and two sixes. His exceptional knock helped Brisbane overhaul Strikers' target with three wickets to spare. McSweeney's exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Brisbane were in a precarious position at 19/3 when McSweeney took the crease. However, McSweeney stitched a crucial partnership with Matt Renshaw, who scored a rapid 54 runs off 27 balls. The partnership yielded 66 runs from only 39 balls, making things easier for Brisbane Heat.
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The match remained closely contested until the final over, but McSweeney maintained his composure, guiding his team to a thrilling three-wicket w3in.
McSweeney, was recently dropped from Australia's Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad after playing just three matches. He was axed from the Australian squad for the remaining two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, replaced by the young opener Sam Konstas. McSweeney, a middle-order batter in domestic cricket, struggled to adapt to the unfamiliar role of Test opener, managing only 72 runs in three matches.
McSweeney was left gutted after being excluded from Australia's Test squad and said:
"Yes, I mean devastated. I get the dream come true and then didn't quite work out the way I wanted it, but it's all part of it and yeah I'll get the head down and get back in the nets and work really hard and hopefully be ready to go for the next opportunity."
“I think it's the game we're in. if you don't take your opportunity and you're not performing as well as you want to, your position's never safe. So I missed out a few times with the bat and unfortunately wasn't able to take my opportunity. But yeah, as I said, I'll work really hard to make sure if the opportunity comes around again, I'm definitely ready,” he added.
The fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to commence on December 26, which is Boxing Day, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Meanwhile, Australia have already announced their squad for the fourth and fifth Test against India. Josh Hazlewood and Nathan McSweeney have been excluded from the last two Tests, while Jhye Richardson and Sam Konstas have been included to Australia's fold. Meanwhile, Beau Webster has also been added to Australia's squad for the final two Tests against India.
Australia's squad for final two Tests against India:
Pat Cummins (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Jhye Richardson, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
