BGT 2024-25: McSweeney Thrives on the Challenge of Strategizing Against Bumrah
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Brisbane, Dec 11 (NationPress) Australia opener Nathan McSweeney mentioned that he is relishing the opportunity to devise tactics aimed at countering India’s fast-bowling ace Jasprit Bumrah during the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, with anticipation for his involvement in the third match at Brisbane.
Bumrah dismissed McSweeney lbw for 10 and 0 during his debut Test in Perth. However, McSweeney bounced back, scoring 39 runs in Australia’s initial innings in Adelaide under lights, before being dismissed by Bumrah in the first session on day two.
By that point, McSweeney had already built a solid partnership, sharing a 67-run stand for the second wicket with Marnus Labuschagne, which led to Australia’s series-equalizing ten-wicket victory at the Adelaide Oval. This match also saw Bumrah facing an injury scare due to discomfort in his left adductor muscle.
"If you aim for victory, you want to do it against the best. I hope he is charging in, and we can perform exceptionally well. Facing him for the first time, he is a remarkable bowler and undoubtedly world-class. He presents a unique challenge compared to most bowlers I’ve encountered, so it’s crucial to adapt to his delivery angle and the crease position," McSweeney stated.
"I faced two excellent deliveries from him (in Perth), so you have to take that on the chin and trust your preparation is adequate. He got me again in Adelaide, but I’m truly enjoying the experience of developing a game plan on the fly against such a top-tier bowler."
"I’m optimistic that I’ll improve the more I face him and hopefully land a few more blows here at the Gabba. Encountering a bowler like Jasprit early in my career is as tough as it gets. It's incredibly exciting! It’s challenging, for sure, but gaining some confidence from Adelaide is encouraging, and I aim to build on it throughout the series," McSweeney shared with reporters on Wednesday.
As Australia prepares for the third Test against India at the Gabba, beginning on December 14, McSweeney, aged 25, returns to Queensland, where he launched his cricket career before transitioning to South Australia. The right-handed batter believes that batting on the Gabba's pitch, known for its reliable bounce, will allow him to showcase his wide range of shots.
"I know I can handle some pressure, and I hope to secure a significant score here in Brisbane. You really can’t tell if you’re ready until you spend time at the crease and gain some confidence," he concluded.
