‘Give Nathan McSweeney some time’ – David Warner wants Australia to be patient with new Test opener

David Warner and Nathan McSweeney. (Source – Fox Cricket/Getty Images)

Australia are all set to have a new opening combination during the impending Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as the young Nathan McSweeney is going to partner the experienced Usman Khawaja at the top.

Former Australia opener David Warner asked the Australian team to give McSweeney sufficient time to showcase his talent on the biggest stage. The veteran said that McSweeney has the tools required to do well at the top of the order in red-ball cricket for Australia. Warner expressed his eagerness to find out how the 25-year-old will complement the 37-year-old Khawaja.

“It’s a great time for him to come in; it’s a big series. I think he’s got the technique (and) the patience to partner up with Uzzie (Usman Khawaja) to allow himself to score big. I’ve pencilled him (McSweeney) in for the highest run score this (summer), so I’m looking forward to that. I’m also looking forward to seeing how he adapts batting with someone like Usman Khawaja as well because it’s a partnership that you have to build,” Warner said during Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports’ launch of Australia’s Summer of Cricket on Tuesday.

“We’ve just got to be patient with all the guys that are coming through now. Uzzie is touching on 38 now as well, he’s probably got another 12 to 18 months to go. He’s (McSweeney) 25 years of age; you’ve got to give guys a crack… it’d be exciting just to see him score some runs first (and) establish himself. But if he doesn’t, just give him some time, give him maybe two summers,” he added.

I’m hoping that he has a big series for Australia: David Warner

Warner feels that both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are overdue for some runs as they have been going through a lean patch. The southpaw backed Labuschagne to do well against India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

“Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne… probably in their right minds, are overdue for some runs. I think Marnus is really up for the series; I’m hoping that he has a big series for Australia,” Warner said.

Also Check: AUS vs IND 2024: Marnus Labuschagne walks the talk with quick bouncer to Pat Cummins in nets

The first Test between the two finalists of last year’s World Test Championship (WTC) final will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on November 22. The coveted Border-Gavaskar Trophy is currently in India’s possession after the Asian giants won it back in 2017. Pat Cummins has led Australia to a lot of success across formats but reclaiming the prestigious title could be the icing on the cake in his illustrious career.