Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy endorse Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney to replace David Warner as Test opener

“I was put on the spot about a week ago, and I initially leaned towards the young guy, Sam Konstas. He’d come off back-to-back hundreds against South Australia,” Ponting said.

“Then I thought a bit more about it. He’s so young and likely hasn’t played at challenging grounds like Optus (Perth) Stadium or The Gabba, nor experienced a pink-ball match at Adelaide Oval. So, although he’s got talent, there are several factors against him.”

McSweeney, currently captaining Australia A, has impressed with his leadership and sound technique. Batting at No. 4, he scored a gritty 39 to stabilize Australia A’s innings in the ongoing first Unofficial Test against India A.

“I also mentioned that I don’t think they’d go back to Bancroft or Harris; otherwise, they’d have done it last year,” Ponting added.

“So, the only name left for me is Nathan McSweeney. He’s Queensland-born but now plays for South Australia and has shown the most promise among those in the ‘A’ game setup in Australia at the moment.

“He’s more experienced, has captained Australia A before, and is leading them now. So, I’m leaning toward McSweeney for that opening role to start the Australian summer.”

Healy on McSweeney

Ian Healy also praised McSweeney for his temperament during his 131-ball stay at the crease against India A.

“I knew about him because he came from my club, and the Australian selectors are well aware of him due to his performances for South Australia,” Healy told SEN Afternoons. “At 25, he’s the most ready of the four. The tried and tested Bancroft and Harris are a bit older, and Konstas is a bit younger. Overall, he’s the best suited based on his recent performances.”