Nathan McSweeney speaks on Test axing after being dropped from Boxing Day squad

Nathan McSweeeney has revealed the shock text he received from a former Australian captain as he spoke of his pain at being axed from the Test side three games into his career.

Nathan McSweeney admits he was devastated by his Test axing but his spirits have been lifted by a deluge of phone messages, including one from a former Australian captain he has never met.

McSweeney, dropped from the Australian team after scoring 10, 0, 39, 10 not out, nine and four in the first three Tests against India, told this masthead at Brisbane airport that while devastated by the axing for the fourth Test against India, he would return a better player.

“I guess when you are playing for your country and you get a chance to do what you wanted to do growing up you want to do better’’ McSweeney said.

“It hurts a lot. But I am very grateful for the experience. I will put my head down now and hopefully one day get out back out.

“I missed out a few times with the bat. I was hopeful I might have got another crack but unfortunately it did not work out that way. It is an important series at one-all and I just hope we can just get it done.’’

Nathan McSweeney walks out to bat with Usman Khawaja. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

McSweeney has had more than 50 text messages of support from teammates and former players including former Test captain Michael Clarke whom he has never met.

Clarke has spoken out strongly in a podcast against the decision, claiming McSweeney should have been given the series.

McSweeney said while his nemesis Jasprit Bumrah was the best bowler he had faced, he relished the challenge. Chairman of selectors told McSweeney Bumrah’s imprint on the series had been a key factor in the decision.

“They had seen my results against Bumrah in the first three Tests and George said they wanted to try someone else who has a slightly different skill set and that suits the batting order.

“I faced some balls and spent a bit of time out there so that helped my confidence but I did not get the scores that I wanted. As everyone was saying it probably does not get much harder.

“I will learn from those experiences and improve my own game and hopefully get another opportunity soon.’’

McSweeney said Bumrah presented a unique challenge, angling in from wide of the wicket and giving precious few loose balls.

Jasprit Bumrah tormented McSweeney.

“He doesn’t bowl any bad balls. He is always there or thereabouts. Obviously he has great skill and can swing it both ways at good ace. I enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately he definitely had the upper hand. Hopefully I will be better for it if I get another go.

“I tried to make it harder for him to bowl the same length consistently. I moved out of my crease occasionally. I tried to run at him a bit.

“But learning on the go is a different challenge. In Sheffield Shield cricket you face a good bowler and you might see him again after Christmas. It’s different and unique playing a five Test series and fronting up against him a week later so you are thinking on the run a lot.

“You haven’t got the time to deep dive into a plan as such but I enjoyed the tactical changes between games and trying to navigate a quality bowler.

Nathan McSweeney arrives at Brisbane Airport

“I had one dismissal at the Gabba which I did not need to play to but other than that I felt he brought really good balls to me and I was actually able to withstand it for a bit of time out there.

“And a few of the games were a little unique like the rain delays in Brisbane and playing under lights and then the next morning. Hopefully if I had the opportunity I would cash in at the back end of the day which didn’t quite happen. I was happy with my technique and how I lined up. There is definitely room for improvement.’’

Originally published as Nathan McSweeney speaks on Test axing after being dropped from Boxing Day squad