Australia A smash Sri Lanka A in first clash of the 2025 Top End Series
Nathan McSweeney hit back at his Test omission with a composed knock in Australia A’s dominant win over Sri Lanka A, as young Victorian Oliver Peake announced himself in style.
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It was a batting blitzkrieg in the Top End during Australia A’s first One-Dayer against their Sri Lankan counterparts, as the men in canary yellow claimed victory in a 4/332 to 134 scoreline.
On a pitch that was tough to get your eye in but wonderful to play on after, four of the Aussie’s top six cracked the half-century, proving there is life yet within the Australian batting ranks.
As the fighter jets flew above and the temperature continued to rise, the foursome of Jason Sangha (50), captain Matthew Renshaw (80), Nathan McSweeney (85*) and teenage debutant Oliver Peake (55*) churned out the runs on a fast Marrara oval after being sent into bat.
In particular it was the efforts of the South Australian captain, McSweeney, who stood out, clearly feeling himself at five, smacking the Kookaburra around the ground with an air of confidence and authority.
Given a life after being dropped in the outfield on 71 and with a few miss-timed shots going unpunished, McSweeney looked the goods for a big tally if given enough time.
Peake was the other who caught the eye as he more than announced himself as a player of the future with a stellar cameo.
In at six, the 18-year-old whacked a quickfire 55* from 35 deliveries, showcasing his fearless and somewhat risky batting style.
On the other end of the spectrum the bowling attack, despite being seen as undermanned, held its own, managing to eke out the wickets against a deep Sri Lankan line-up.
Victorian quick Sam Elliot led the bowling with an economical and accurate performance, topping the Aussie attack with figures of 5/14.
A very happy McSweeney said he was happy to be back in the fold and batting at five, and was stoked to have put on a show at his old stomping ground.
It’s great to be back in Darwin,” the former PINT Cricket Club player said.
“There were so many who contributed with the bat today on what was a pretty tricky surface to start with.
“We played their spin really well and were fortunate to post a big total.”
On his own performance, McSweeney said each cricketer experiences ups and downs on their professional journey and that what matters for him is to continue posting big scores.
“I was able to play for Australia which as a kid is something we all want to do and it was an unbelievable experience,” he said.
“I learnt a lot from those test matches and being around the squad in Sri Lanka.
“Hopefully I can hit the ground running this year and keep getting better and better and hopefully some opportunities pop up and I can take them with both hands.
McSweeney also dumped praise on the teenage tearaway Peake who impressed everybody with his performance in the middle.
“To think what I was doing at his age, he’s miles ahead of me,” McSweeney said.
“He’s an unbelievable talent and coming in at a tricky scenario with 10 overs to play to play like he did … he’s one to watch for the future for sure.”
Originally published as Australia A smash Sri Lanka A in first clash of the 2025 Top End Series