“He’s got a unique action” – Nathan McSweeney on facing Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Australia’s rookie batter Nathan McSweeney has opened up on the challenge of facing India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar trophy. Bumrah, Rohit’s deputy on the tour, will lead the team for the second time in Test matches. Bumrah has been India’s premier fast bowler for some time and he is going to hold the key for the visitors. 

The ace pacer has scalped 32 wickets in seven Test matches against Australia at an impressive average of 21.25.

Speaking to SEN Radio, Nathan McSweeney said, “I’ll definitely dive a lot deeper into it when I get to Perth, but I can’t help myself. I’ve looked at a few clips of what they’re bowling attack stacks up like. I’m just trying to visualise how I’m going to go about it. Facing a new bowler can be a slight challenge to just pick up their action. But there’s probably not (much you can do to replicate how Bumrah bowls). Obviously he’s got a unique action, he’s one of the best bowlers in the world, so it’s going to be hard to mimic that, that’s for sure.”

Meanwhile, McSweeney has scored 2252 runs in 34 first-class matches at an average of 38.16 and he has also scalped 18 wickets. The 25-year-old from Brisbane said he has still got a lot to learn to succeed at the top level.

“In the last month or so, I really feel like I’m batting the best I ever have. No doubt there’s plenty of learning and experiences that I haven’t experienced yet and I’m looking forward to learning all about the challenges of Test cricket and challenging my game against the very best. Being an opening batter, it’s making sure I’m leaving the ball well and making the bowlers are bowling to me.”

The right-hander scored an unbeaten 88 in the second innings of the opening unofficial Test match against India A recently and must have grown in confidence after getting his maiden Test call-up for the India series.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.

Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (C), Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland