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'You Don't Need To Score Fast': Khawaja Backs Nathan McSweeney As New Opener Vs India

Usman Khawaja backs Nathan McSweeney [Source: usman_khawajy/instagram.com, @abcsport/x.com]Usman Khawaja backs Nathan McSweeney [Source: usman_khawajy/instagram.com, @abcsport/x.com]

Usman Khawaja isn’t buying into the idea that Australia’s top-order needs to blaze through runs quickly to succeed in Test cricket. Ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, Khawaja brushed off the need for rapid-fire scoring as nothing but a “myth” and threw his support behind new opening partner Nathan McSweeney.

Usman Khawaja Dismissed 'Myth' of Fast Starts

McSweeney, South Australia’s skipper and a former Queensland teammate of Khawaja, will be making his debut as an opener in the first Test against India in Perth.

Known for his steady approach, McSweeney’s first-class strike rate sits at 41.92—far more measured than the retired David Warner, who scored at a lively 70.76. But Khawaja isn’t worried about McSweeney’s pace at the crease.

“You’ve got five days to score; I don’t know where this myth came from that you need someone to score really fast to do well,” said Khawaja.

"Opening's as much about scoring runs as it is about being able to absorb. Davey was special; he could score runs while absorbing but he didn't do it [score fast] every time. He was consistent; out there and setting a platform, and Nathan does that very well,” added the southpaw.

Khawaja’s Advice To McSweeney

McSweeney’s rise has been steady rather than flashy. Once batting at No.6 as an off-spinner, he shifted from Queensland to South Australia in 2021 to find better opportunities. Since then, he has grown from strength to strength, even taking on the captaincy role.

As someone who made the same move up the order, Usman Khawaja advised McSweeney to keep it simple.

"There's no guarantees in cricket...but he doesn't have to do anything different.Just repeat the process. He's been able to handle the pressure at Shield level. When you look at his demeanour, the way he plays, you do kind of feel over a longer period of time he'll be able to handle the scrutiny, the pressure of Test cricket,” reckoned the seasoned campaigner.

As Khawaja gears up for a high-stakes series against India, his steadying presence at the top and his backing of McSweeney are sure to set a strong tone for the team.