Nathan McSweeney eyes Test spot after Usman Khawaja's potential retirement

Speculations are rife that Usman Khawaja could hang his boots following the New Year's Test against India in Sydney. Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke recently stated that the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 could be a good choice for the Australia opener to call it quits. The developments have increased the fervour around the southpaw’s future prospects. Meanwhile, even before he vacates the spot, young batter Nathan McSweeney has an eye on it.

McSweeney opened with Khawaja in the first three Tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The right-handed batter though could not fetch substantial runs even as he showed glimmers of hope for the team after David Warner retired. McSweeney was dropped from the playing XI ahead of fourth Test and hopes to regain his spot in the coming days.

Also Read: Sydney Test a great opportunity for Khawaja to retire: Clarke

“I’d love to (be back in the Test setup), there’s no doubt about that. Ussie (Usman Khawaja) has been awesome, but when the opportunity comes — or if it does — I would love to do that. I haven’t had heaps of time to think about it, to be honest, it all kind of happened fairly quickly, and then I was back here playing T20 cricket (in Big Bash League)," McSweeney was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald. 

“Those conversations will be had, and I’ve got to work out and speak with the selectors about where my opportunity may come and what I need to do to get back there. I’m flexible to bat wherever and wherever I see my role to, hopefully, one day again play Test cricket," he added.

For the unversed, Khawaja has previously hinted at his last dance in international cricket, indicating that the Ashes 2025 could be his last appearance in whites. In his absence, two young batters, McSweeney and Sam Konstas, are the front-runners to assume the role left vacant by the veteran Australian opener.