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Huge Surprise Awaits India As Ponting Reveals David Warner's Replacement For Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Debashis Sarangi

Ponting has named a quality replacement for Warner [Source: @ICC/X, @CricCrazyJohns/X]Ponting has named a quality replacement for Warner [Source: @ICC/X, @CricCrazyJohns/X]

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Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes young batter Nathan McSweeney can be an option worth considering for the vacant opener's slot in the Australian Test XI. Led by Pat Cummins, the Aussies will kick off this year's Test summer with the high-voltage Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India on home soil. However, after David Warner's retirement, Australia are searching for his able successor to partner Usman Khawaja at the top order. 

Ricky Ponting Names McSweeney As Warner's Potential Successor

Speaking on the ICC Review Show, Australia's two-time World Cup winning captain Ricky Ponting backed Nathan McSweeney to take up the opener's slot in the Australian Test XI for the upcoming India series. The legendary cricketer reckons McSweeney is a better option than batting sensation Sam Konstas, having the experience of playing on Brisbane and Perth's challenging decks. 

"I was put on the spot about a week ago, and I sort of immediately went to the young guy, Sam Konstas. Then I thought a bit more about it and, he is so young and he has probably not even played on grounds like Optus (Perth) Stadium or at The Gabba. He wouldn't have played a pink-ball (match) at Adelaide Oval either. So there's a lot of things that stack up against the young guy, although there's no doubt that he's got talent," Ponting said. 

He further highlighted how McSweeney's red-hot recent form makes him the front-runner to become Warner's replacement in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

"The only name left for me more or less is Nathan McSweeney, who is Queensland-born now playing for South Australia. He got the most out of any of those guys from the 'A' game in Australia at the moment. And he's more experienced. He has captained Australia A in the past, and he's captaining them now. So, I'm leaning towards McSweeney now for that opening role at the start of the Australian summer," he added. 

Nathan McSweeney's Stats

A promising right-handed batter, Nathan McSweeney has amassed 1795 runs in 59 First-Class innings at an average of 33.9. He showcased prolific form in the Sheffield Shield, notching up a magnificent ton against New South Wales. He also looked impressive in the unofficial Test against India A, and it won't be surprising if he opens the batting with Khawaja in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.