Khawaja Finds Touch as Labuschagne Fails in Last Ashes Auditions
Perth, Australia: Nathan McSweeney boosted his case for a recall to the Australian Test team for the upcoming Ashes series with a patient century for South Australia in their Sheffield Shield clash against Western Australia at the WACA in Perth.
The 26-year-old right-hander, who has been in and out of the Test conversation, made a commanding 103 off 168 balls on day three of the match before being dismissed by all-rounder Aaron Hardie. McSweeney’s knock, which included 11 fours and one six, came while batting at number three—a position that has become a source of concern for the national side.
The incumbent at the critical No. 3 spot, all-rounder Cameron Green, has recorded modest returns since being promoted up the order in Test cricket. McSweeney, who last played three Tests for Australia against India a year ago, managed just 72 runs in six innings at an average of 14.40 while opening alongside Usman Khawaja in that series. His timely century provides selectors with a strong argument for him to fill the troublesome middle-order role against England.
In Brisbane, the other Sheffield Shield fixture featured a mixed bag for key Queensland and Ashes-bound stars against New South Wales.
Queensland skipper and star batsman Marnus Labuschagne, widely tipped to play a major role in the Ashes, was dismissed for just four by seamer Liam Hatcher, caught by Kurtis Patterson at deep leg gully. This dismissal follows a prolific start to the competition for Labuschagne, who had already struck two centuries in the first-class season.
However, his veteran opening partner, Usman Khawaja, found valuable form with a typically gritty knock. Khawaja compiled 87 off 127 balls, his highest score of the competition this season.
Fellow Queensland opener and Ashes squad hopeful, Matthew Renshaw, was out for 29, leaving selectors with much to ponder as the opening Test against England in Perth on November 21 rapidly approaches.
