AUS vs IND: Hope I can throw a few more punches at Jasprit Bumrah at Gabba, says Nathan McSweeney

Nathan McSweeney hopes to “throw a few more punches” at Jasprit Bumrah in the third Test at the Gabba after the Indian pacer removed the young Australian opener three times in four innings. The 25-year-old’s international debut did not go according to plan, as he was dismissed for just 10 and 0 in the first Test at Perth.

However, McSweeney bounced back in the second Test in Adelaide, where he scored 39 and 10 not out, helping Australia stage a strong comeback in the series with a commanding 10-wicket victory in the day-night match.

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Reflecting on his early struggles against Bumrah, McSweeney admitted that facing one of the world’s best bowlers early in his career was a tough challenge, but one he is taking in stride. “To get a bowler like Jasprit early in my career, it’s not going to get much tougher than that,” McSweeney told cricket.com.au. “I take some confidence from getting through a spell in Adelaide. The more I face him, the more comfortable I’ll get against him.”

Bumrah has been one of India’s standout performers on the tour, taking eight wickets in the Perth Test and four more in Adelaide. He has emerged as the best Indian bowler so far, continuing to pose a significant threat to Australia’s top order.

McSweeney, who was given his debut after the retirement of David Warner, acknowledged Bumrah’s unique bowling style. “Facing him for the first time – he’s quite a unique bowler. He’s obviously world-class and a bit different to most bowlers I’ve faced. [It’s about] adapting to his angle and where he delivers on the crease,” McSweeney said.

In the first Test at Perth, McSweeney was dismissed twice by Bumrah, but he remained resilient. “I got two pretty good balls from him, so I try to wear that on the chin and trust what I’ve been doing is going to be good enough,” he added. Despite the challenges, McSweeney is relishing the opportunity to face Bumrah. “He got me again in Adelaide – he’s a great bowler, and I’m really enjoying the experience of trying to work out a game plan on the run against a world-class player,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll get better the more I face him and can throw a few more punches here at the Gabba.”

McSweeney also shared a crucial 67-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne in the first innings of the Adelaide Test. Labuschagne, who returned to form with a gritty 64, has been a source of confidence for the younger opener. “He’s a beauty of a guy. I think what we see on TV when the bowler is bowling the ball, he’s really intense, but in between overs, he’s actually quite calm,” McSweeney said.

McSweeney explained that watching Labuschagne’s approach has helped him understand the mental side of batting, even during tough phases. “It gives me confidence just realising that we’re all going through the same stuff,” McSweeney added. “I’m (in my) first game, trying to work it out, and he’s 50 games in, still trying to tinker and work things out.”

Reflecting on the overall series, McSweeney noted that while Australia’s batsmen have not quite found their rhythm yet, there is always room for improvement. “We haven’t all quite worked it out yet. So that gave me a little bit of confidence – we’re always striving to be better, and I think that’s what makes guys like Steve (Smith) and Marnus really good.”

As the series shifts to the Gabba, McSweeney, who made his first-class debut at the venue in 2018, is looking forward to the challenge. “I love playing here – the wicket has great bounce,” he said. “Batting well at the Gabba is about leaving well in particular. You can really trust the bounce here, and it’s about not fighting that bounce, and scoring square of the wicket.”

For McSweeney, the Gabba is a ground that rewards patience. “If you spend a long time out there, the game can open up, and you can actually score quite quickly,” he said. “It’s definitely a new-ball wicket, and if you can get past that, it’s a lovely ground to bat on.”

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