‘A ridiculous decision’: Cricket world erupts over Nathan McSweeney axing

The axing of Australia’s latest Test debutant has sparked fierce backlash among cricket fans with one man being called out.

Nathan McSweeney was officially dropped from the Australian Test squad on Friday in a move that has sparked fierce backlash among cricket fans.

The Aussies unveiled a 15-man squad for the final two Tests against India with McSweeney missing out as teen prodigy Sam Konstas earnt his first call up.

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The South Australian made his Test debut only a month ago, batting out of position at the top of the order, having never opened the batting at state level.

But after three Tests his time has come to an end after failing to impress the Australian selectors.

After news of his axing was officially confirmed, outrage ensued among the cricket community who took aim at the selectors for using McSweeney as the scapegoat.

Many were quick to point the finger at fellow opener Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne who have failed to deliver anything of substance throughout the series.

The top order trip had a combined average of 14.40 through the opening three Tests, the lowest for a home series in over 100 years.

Three Tests and that’s it. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Usman and Marnus survived despite their lowly outputs. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP)

Despite question marks lingering over the heads of several senior Australian players, it was McSweeney who copped the axe in a move that hasn’t sat well with cricket lovers.

Osher Feldman wrote on X: “Ridiculous decision to drop McSweeney. He had 3 tests and did no worse than the ‘experienced players’ against Bumrah.”

Veteran presenter Tim Gossage wrote: “Not shocked by McSweeney omission but still get “boys club“ vibe with Aussie Test team.”

Channel 10 presenter Max Burford wrote: “dropping 25yo McSweeney for his inability to handle the literal best bowler in the world, while all but one of Australia’s significantly older and more experienced top six have been just as lost (minus one Smith score), is a real head-scratcher.”

Another wrote: “This is basically Cricket Australia saying they f***ed up in picking a non-opener to open against Jasprit Bumrah.”

McSweeney has been axed. (Photo by David GRAY / AFP)

Chief Australian selector George Bailey has found himself in the spotlight throughout the summer after being called out by former cricketers Ian Healy and Darren Lehmann.

Lehmann savaged Bailey and questioned his close-knit ties with the Australian squad, stating his relationship was impacting his decision to make tough calls.

On Friday irate fans were convinced Lehmann had hit the nail on the head.

One wrote: “Kinda adds merit to Darren Lehmanns thoughts that George Bailey is too close to the players, particularly ones he played with. Feel sorry for the kid. Threw him into a position he hadnt done at shield level, then drop him.”

George Bailey (left) came under heavy fire from fans. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

A second added: “George Bailey shouldn’t be anywhere near this side & it’s jobs for the boys at this point. McSweeney batting out of position against the best bowler in the world is getting dropped while Khawaja, Marnus & Marsh are keeping their spots.”

A third wrote: “Just more evidence that George Bailey favoring the old boys.

Khawaja, Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh have made no runs now for 2 years, no change, and then they go ahead and drop the 3 test rookie lmao. Absolute clown show. Mitch Johnson and Daren Lehman spot on.”

George Bailey on Nathan McSweeney: “It was a difficult decision to leave him out”#AUSvINDpic.twitter.com/MMX8t7jvUt

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) December 20, 2024

While McSweeney was let go, promising 19-year-old Sam Konstas earnt a spot in the squad with a debut looming large for the Boxing Day Test.

Konstas’ call-up marks his first at national level after impressive form across all formats leading into the Border Gavaskar series, being the only other specialist opener outside of Usman Khawaja in the current squad.

Should 18-year-old Konstas earn his Test debut, he would become the youngest to be awarded a baggy green since current skipper Pat Cummins.

He was 18 years 193 days when he appeared against South Africa in 2011, while Konstas turned 19 on October 2 this year.

The fourth Test between Australia and India will commence on Boxing Day in Melbourne.

Originally published as ‘A ridiculous decision’: Cricket world erupts over Nathan McSweeney axing