McSweeney Highlights the Contrast of Spin Bowling in Australia and Sri Lanka
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New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) Australia batter Nathan McSweeney has stated that he will unveil a new approach to playing spin bowling in Sri Lanka during the two-match Test series in Galle. He noted that facing spinners in Australia is markedly different from competing against them on the island.
During the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy, McSweeney faced challenges against India’s fast-bowling leader Jasprit Bumrah, averaging only 14.4 across three matches, which led to him being replaced by young opener Sam Konstas.
However, McSweeney has been granted another chance in Tests with his selection for the Sri Lanka tour, where his abilities against spinners will be rigorously tested by the local spinners, spearheaded by Prabath Jayasuriya, who achieved a remarkable 12-wicket haul in a victory over Australia in 2022.
“I’ve developed a method for batting against spin in Australia that has been effective for me in my Shield career, but I certainly need to create a new strategy… playing spin in Australia is very different from playing it over there,” McSweeney explained.
“I’ve been fortunate to grow up in Queensland alongside Mitch Swepson and Matt Kuhnemann, facing quality spin regularly. I hope to apply what I’ve learned in Sri Lanka. I didn’t seize my chance during my first three Tests, but I remain optimistic, although outcomes are unpredictable,” McSweeney shared with The Age on Monday.
He also expressed confidence that his part-time off-spin bowling could be beneficial in Sri Lanka. “In Shield cricket over the past couple of years, conditions haven’t favored me to bowl many overs, but I’m continuously honing my skills. If given the chance, I would love to bowl in conditions that are conducive to off-spin bowling,” he added.
