Australia batter Nathan McSweeney has opened up on how he prepared for the tour by studying the video of his compatriot Steve Smith and India’s Virat Kohli. The 27-year-old became Australia A’s top scorer in the three-match one-day series against India A that concluded recently. He made 194 runs as the visitors registered a 2-1 series win over the home team.
For Australian batters, it was a must to get accustomed to the slow pitches and spin-friendly conditions to have a competent performance in the subcontinent. McSweeney kept it simple and studied the game of successful batters, including Smith and Kohli, who have been successful in India.
Steve Smith, who has amassed 805 runs at a decent average of 50.30 in Tests in India, was one of the batters whom McSweeney used as his mentor. Meanwhile, Kohli was one of the best spin-batting batters during the early years of his career.
“Coming to India as an Australian, it’s a big spin focus, and you try and work hard and watch the great Indian players on how they play spin,” said McSweeney while talking to the host broadcaster.
McSweeney added that he would watch Kohli on YouTube to understand his art and also studied Steve Smith and other successful Australian batters who had performed in India. He also had the advantage of analysts and performance staff to help him with their insight.
Aggressive Against Spin, But Not Always Out
The benefit of McSweeney’s studies showed as he continuously charged down the track against the spin attack of Anukul Roy, Vipraj Nigam, and Nishant Sindhu. He used his feet to make them run and also forced them into making mistakes.
However, the aggressive approach did not always yield dividends as he was dismissed only once by a spinner in India. McSweeney faced Shams Mulani, the leg-spinner, who got him out in the second unofficial Test match.
Century Helps Australia A Win
McSweeney laid the foundation for his century-making innings in the first one-day match against India A that took place in Puducherry.
Australia A had been bowled out for 104 in the first innings of the four-day match. However, McSweeney changed the equation of the match as he recorded a century and a half-century in the two innings. He made a vital 123-ball 123 as he and Sutherland added 141 runs for the fifth wicket before declaring the innings at 274.
After making a century, he made 32 and 39 in the next two one-day matches. However, he could not make the most of his starts as Australia A pulled off a series win against India A.
“Australia A winning the series in tough conditions is satisfying, and I’m happy to contribute with the bat and score runs to help the team win. It was a great tour for me as a player to stay at the crease for long periods and help the team win the series,” he added.
White-Ball Opportunity Coming Soon?
Although McSweeney has been in good form, he has played only three Test matches for Australia. The right-hander is yet to make his white-ball debut for the Baggy Greens. His good performances against India could see him being considered for limited-overs cricket.