Michael Clarke Criticizes Nathan McSweeney’s Exclusion from Australia’s Boxing Day Test Squad

December 20, 2024

Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has voiced his disappointment over the decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the squad for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India. McSweeney, 25, debuted earlier in the series but struggled to make a significant impact with the bat, scoring 10, 0, 39, 10*, 9, and 4 across six innings.

Despite his poor run of form, Clarke believes the selectors made a mistake by dropping the young batter prematurely.


Clarke Questions Selectors’ Strategy

Speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket podcast, Clarke expressed his frustration, stating, “I’m shocked by Nathan McSweeney’s exclusion. No matter who was chosen for the opening spot, they needed to be given a full series to prove themselves. The selectors have made the wrong call here.”

Clarke also raised concerns about the continued inclusion of Usman Khawaja, who, at 38, has also struggled with the bat in the series. “Khawaja has made no significant runs. While he’s an experienced senior player, his performances haven’t justified his spot,” Clarke added.


McSweeney’s Positives Overlooked

Though McSweeney is not a traditional opener—preferring to bat at No. 3 in domestic cricket—Clarke highlighted his solid technique and potential for growth. He noted that McSweeney faced 212 deliveries across the first three Tests, a higher tally than Khawaja’s 136 and Mitchell Marsh’s 141.

Clarke further pointed out the lack of opportunities for younger players in the squad. “We have a lot of players over 30, with some nearing their late 30s. What’s the plan if Khawaja retires mid-series? Does McSweeney come back into the side, or does he fall further down the pecking order?”


Debate Over Sam Konstas’ Inclusion

Adding to the controversy, 19-year-old Sam Konstas has been called up to the squad in McSweeney’s place. While Konstas has shown promise with a First-Class average of 42.23 and scored a century in a warm-up game against India, Clarke questioned if the young talent is ready for the demands of Test cricket.

“Konstas’ century in the pink-ball warm-up was impressive, but it came against an Indian attack missing key players like Jasprit Bumrah,” Clarke observed.


Clarke’s Call for Accountability

Clarke criticized the lack of transparency in the selection process, urging selectors to own up to their decisions. “If they’ve made a mistake picking McSweeney in the first place, they should come out and admit it,” he said.

He also emphasized the need for a clearer succession plan for when senior players like Khawaja retire, stressing that younger players need consistency and confidence to develop at the international level.


This decision by the selectors has sparked widespread debate, with cricket fans and analysts closely watching how the revamped Australian squad performs in the remainder of the series.