'All I can do is make runs' - Nathan McSweeney explains mindset in pursuit of Test comeback

Nathan McSweeney remains hopeful of regaining his spot in Australia’s Test side and would happily welcome a chance to play county cricket if it comes up. With one opener's position in the team still vacant for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June at Lord's, he believes strong performances could put him back in the contest.

The 25-year-old made his Test debut as an opener in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but struggled against Jasprit Bumrah, managing just 72 runs in six innings. He was dropped after three Tests for Sam Konstas and later toured Sri Lanka as a reserve batter but did not get a chance to play. Instead, Travis Head moved up to open, while Josh Inglis slotted into the middle order. 

Now, as Travis Head is set to move to the middle order, there's a chance of a new joinee. To add to the selection dilemma, Cameron Green is expected to return. Meanwhile, McSweeney boosted his case with a gritty 60 off 199 balls against a strong Victoria attack on Friday, March 7 in the Sheffield Shield.

"I don't know. All I can do is make runs and get back to being a consistent run-scorer, which got me the opportunity in the first place. Wherever my spot is, if the opportunity comes, I'm happy to bat wherever. Hopefully, that means South Australia in a Shield final," McSweeney said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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The South Australian batter is open to playing county cricket but is focused on his team's Sheffield Shield campaign at present. McSweeney also acknowledged he needs to refine his game after his Test stint.

"I'd love to get over and play some county cricket, but for now, I'm just staying in Adelaide. I haven’t looked much past the next couple of weeks. It’s massive for South Australia, and hopefully, we can push for a Shield final. There’s definitely some learnings from my Test experience. I know what works in Shield cricket, but I also want to keep improving. It’s been a challenging couple of months, but I’d like to think I’m better for it," said McSweeney.