Former Australia star David Warner clears air on Nathan McSweeney's Test debut in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Warner who has announced his retirement from international cricket said that McSweeney's intent against India in the second Test match was promising.
Warner also lashes out on questions about his selection in the national squad for the high voltage five Test match series against India. He said that McSweeney has a very bright future ahead.
"He's faced four of the five toughest challenges for an opening batsman and handled them well. The intent he showed the other day was promising. While there were questions about his selection, his performance shows why he was chosen. He has a good temperament and setup, and I think he has a bright future ahead," said Warner while speaking to the media on Wednesday, as quoted by Wide World of Sports.
After scoring 0 and 10 in Perth, McSweeney smashed 39 runs in the Adelaide Test, contributing to a half-century stand with Labuschagne, followed by an unbeaten 10 in the second innings.
After defeating India in the second Test match by 10 wickets, now Australia will face India for the third Test match which will take place in Brisbane, Gabba from December 14.
Warner also urged the Australia batters to perform well in the upcoming clash because that will help alleviating the pressure on the pacers.
"I think the pressure is on all of the top order, not just Uzzie (Usman Khawaja). Travis came out and counterpunched with a brilliant hundred--we know he's capable of that--but it's about everyone else around him providing support," Warner remarked.
"It's not just one player in particular; it's the top six scoring bulk runs and giving the fast bowlers a break. The first game was high-paced, but in the last one, we saw Mitchell Starc at his best with the pink ball. Come Brisbane, we need to see some big runs from the top order" added Warner.
The ongoing Test series between India and Australia is important for Rohit Sharma-led side citing their chances of qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final which will take place next in England. India needs to win their remaining three Test matches against the Baggy Greens to seal their spot in the WTC final.
