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Harris Backs McSweeney's Comeback : Ryan Harris Supports McSweeney's Test Return After Challenging Summer

Ryan Harris Supports McSweeney's Test Return After Challenging Summer
Ryan Harris, former Australia cricketer, voiced his frustration over Nathan McSweeney's handling by selectors during the home Test summer. He believes the young batter faced unfair judgments after competing against India's formidable bowlers.

Synopsis

Ryan Harris, former cricketer and South Australia coach, expressed frustration over Nathan McSweeney's treatment by selectors during the home Test summer. He believes McSweeney was unfairly judged after facing India's elite bowlers.

Key Takeaways

  • Ryan Harris criticizes selectors for their treatment of Nathan McSweeney.
  • McSweeney faced a challenging debut against India's
  • Harris believes McSweeney deserves a longer chance in the Test squad.
  • Despite being dropped, McSweeney remains a future prospect for the team.
  • Selectors' decision on Sam Konstas was validated by his performance.

New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) Former Australia cricketer and South Australia coach Ryan Harris has expressed his discontent regarding the treatment of Nathan McSweeney by selectors during the recent home Test summer. He believes the young batter was unjustly assessed after being thrust into a challenging situation against India's elite bowling lineup.

The 25-year-old received an unexpected Test debut as a makeshift opener, teaming up with Usman Khawaja to face Jasprit Bumrah and India's aggressive pace attack on tough Australian surfaces. Normally a No.3 batter for South Australia, McSweeney found it difficult to adjust, accumulating only 72 runs at an average of 14.40 across six innings before being replaced by Sam Konstas for the Boxing Day Test.

Harris, who has closely collaborated with McSweeney at the state level, believes the young player was placed in an impossible situation and warranted a longer opportunity in the Test lineup.

"There’s no doubt I thought he was treated rather harshly," Harris told SEN Sportsday. "He entered the series at a particularly tough time, facing Bumrah, who I consider to be the best bowler in the world. He had to step in and confront that challenge right at the top."

While McSweeney was overjoyed to receive his Test debut, Harris disclosed that the sudden nature of his removal left the young batter devastated. "He was absolutely thrilled to get the chance, but shortly after, he was utterly crushed," Harris remarked.

"I've never seen Nathan McSweeney like that; he was so down and disheartened. When you asked him about his feelings, he said, ‘I felt as though I was batting really well; he (Bumrah) was just too good for me.’"

Despite the setback, Harris encouraged McSweeney to concentrate on the positives, especially his confidence in his form even during a tough patch.

"The silver lining I found, which I told him right away, was: ‘There aren't many situations where you get dropped and still feel like you're batting well,’" Harris added.

Although McSweeney faced a mid-series drop, Harris remains optimistic that the gifted right-hander will make a return to the Test squad.

"He was heartbroken, but will he make a comeback? Absolutely," Harris stated.

His immediate prospects with the Test team remain ambiguous, but his selection for the Sri Lanka tour indicates that he is still part of the selectors’ long-term vision. With Marnus Labuschagne firmly established at No.3, McSweeney is unlikely to play in the second Test unless an unforeseen injury occurs.

"It's encouraging to see him included in that Sri Lanka tour. I really don't foresee him playing in the second Test unless something happens with Marnus, which I doubt will occur," Harris noted.

Harris confessed he was initially annoyed by Konstas’ selection for the Boxing Day Test, feeling McSweeney should have been granted additional time to adjust. However, he also recognized that Konstas’ remarkable debut performance validated the selectors' decision.

"There was undoubtedly a bit of frustration that Konstas was picked at that moment (for Boxing Day), but what that kid demonstrated and accomplished on that stage was just incredible," Harris admitted.

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