Nathan McSweeney on criticism of his selection of first Australia vs. India Test in Perth

He’s come under fire from critics of Australia’s selection process, but Nathan McSweeney’s toughest test came on Monday. He and his teammates speak about his looming baptism of fire.

Test debutant Nathan McSweeney has shrugged off savage criticism of his selection as he weathered an even more withering baptism of fire against Australia’s fast bowlers in Perth.

Former Australian opener and Cricket NSW board member Ed Cowan last week questioned whether McSweeney had the “technique” or “temperament” to open the batting in a Test match, but teammates mobilised around the 25-year-old on Monday after he survived a brutal examination from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins on the WACA’s powder keg centre wicket.

Australia practised on the widest wicket on the WACA block which has a slant as dramatic as the famed slope at Lord’s and complained that batting against a noticeably geed up Australian pace cartel was a nightmare.

“He walked out and fair to say his eyes were wide open and we just said, ‘welcome to Test cricket,’” said Test veteran, Nathan Lyon.

However, McSweeney proved up to the task.

Nathan McSweeney addresses the media at Optus Stadium on Monday. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

The rookie opener from South Australia said he wasn’t shy about reading negative headlines and is adamant he is ready to walk into the Perth furnace against the might of Jasprit Bumrah and India on Friday.

“I think everyone is going to have their opinion. I try and not read too much into it,” McSweeney told reporters on Monday.

“I have the guys in my corner I really trust and value their opinions and I haven’t spent heaps of time with Ed.

“I know what works and I feel very capable to go and do the job and I’m batting the best I ever have I feel.

“There’s definitely more talk around playing for your country as there should be. It’s what you wanted to do since you were a kid.

“It doesn’t change the way I prepare or try and go out and play. Just accepting there’s going to be a bit of talk about it (and), it’s not a bad thing.

“I’m probably still learning a little bit (about how to handle the scrutiny and spotlight). If I see something I’ll definitely read it. I don’t go looking for it but if it comes up I don’t mind reading it.”

Cowan has since clarified his criticism was directed at the process followed by Australia’s selectors and was not directed at McSweeney personally, who he hopes fires on debut.

Nathan Lyon has backed in his new teammate Nathan McSweeney. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

Test star Nathan Lyon admitted he was surprised at the firestorm over McSweeney’s selection.

“Yeah, but there’s that many media outlets out there. People who make names … to stay relevant,” Lyon said with a wry smile as he looked around the gathered media pack.

“I think (Nathan is) nothing but exceptional in my eyes. I saw him up close and personal in that Shield game (NSW v South Australia) a couple of weeks ago and I thought we had to run him out to get him out in the game.

“I thought his tempo was nice. His timing of his movements were in sync. (Alex Carey) thinks he’s ready and I’m in that same boat.”

Fellow South Australian batsman Travis Head is intriguingly still refusing to set the record straight on whether he was ever being considered to open the batting this summer, prior to Cameron Green’s injury.

“We’ll leave that there. I’m not answering,” Head said.

“We don’t need to answer that now. That’s been and done so it’s all good.”

Head was more forthcoming in letting the man finally chosen to open, McSweeney, know that he and the rest of the Australian line-up has his back after last week’s criticisms.

“It can sometimes be a bit full-on when it’s your first experience. But there’s excitement. If he does what he’s been doing, he’s going to fit in perfectly,” Head said.

“With anyone starting their career it’s going to take time. He has the support in the change rooms and I hope he has support outside that. He’s deserved his selection and it’s an exciting few weeks for him.”

Travis Head refused to address if he’d discussed opening the batting. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

Cowan’s criticism of selectors centred on an analysis of McSweeney’s mediocre numbers in first-class cricket when coming out to bat in the first 10 overs.

Lyon said McSweeney was outstanding up against the might of Cummins and Starc with a brand new red ball on Monday.

“He went really well. He didn’t nick any which was really good. On a challenging wicket that was doing a fair bit,” Lyon said.

“You want to compete against the best guys and in my opinion, we’re the best bowling attack in the world. And for Nathan to come in for his first training session on a friendly wicket having Starcy with the new ball and Pat with the new ball, it’s pretty challenging.

“I felt like he went pretty well to be honest with you that’s why I’m pretty excited come Friday to see the hat presentation and his family and friends around, it’s a pretty special moment.”

Originally published as Nathan McSweeney on criticism of his selection of first Australia vs. India Test in Perth