BGT 2024-25: Nathan McSweeney receives hilarious message from Travis Head after selection for Perth Test

After all the speculations over the new Australia opener, Nathan McSweeney was picked in Australia’s 13-member squad for the Perth Test against India. The 25-year-old has played for Queensland and impressed everyone with 2252 runs in just 34 first class games. Post the selection announcement, Travis Head welcomed the youngster with a cheeky message.

McSweeney revealed that Head sent him a text with an indication that the young gun will be welcomed with barrages of shots from Indian batters. Head conveyed this by offering McSweeney his close-in fielding pads. The message effectively indicated that the newbie will probably be placed at forward short leg or silly point while fielding.

“I just got a text from Travis Head saying: ‘I can give you my bat pad pads’ – so I’ll be straight under there I would’ve thought,” said McSweeney as quoted by The Indian Express.

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I’ve heard that Usman Khawaja isn’t the biggest fan of facing the first ball: McSweeney

Usman Khawaja, the veteran who will be paired with McSweeney in the opening slot, used to play in the middle order before being promoted as an opener. McSweeney, more or less, has traversed the same journey. He added that he used to practice with the new ball anyway and takes inspiration from Khawaja to face the swinging ball. 

“It’s one position earlier than I normally do; my prep is the exact same, I train with the new ball. I’m just really looking forward to the experience and the opportunity. I’ll go back to Adelaide and hit with my batting coach in South Australia, and get ready for an important series (and) really work on what I feel like I need to do to be ready. I’ve heard that Uzzie isn’t the biggest fan of (facing the first ball); I faced the first ball in both innings out here (at the MCG during Australia A innings against India A) so I’m comfortable with that,” McSweeney added.