Australian icon David Warner has named The new Test opener and his replacement Nathan McSweeney to score the most runs in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the five-match Test series against India, Warner thinks McSweeney has the patience and skill to work well with Usman Khawaja.
As Khawaja may retire after 12 to 18 months, the cricketer-turned-commentator emphasized that Australia should provide the 25-year-old with adequate opportunities. Australia A recently defeated India A 2-0 in a series under McSweeney's leadership. In his four appearances, the right-handed batter finished with scores of 39, 88*, 14, and 25 across four innings.
"It’s a great time for him to come in; it’s a big series. 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," Warner said at Fox Cricket’s Kayo Sports launch
"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," he added.
Warner backs Labuschagne to perform in BGT
Additionally, David Warner supported Marnus Labuschagne's ability to do well in the Test series against India. since 2023, Labuschagne's average has only been 29.68.
"Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne... probably in their right minds, 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," said Warner in the same interaction
Labuschagne has scored 785 runs in 10 Test matches against India. Meanwhile, Steve Smith has amassed more than 2,000 runs in the format vs India. After a brief stint as an opener in Test matches, the latter will reclaim his No. 4 position. On Friday, November 22, the first game of the five-game series will begin in Perth.
