Mitchell Johnson: Nathan McSweeney was set up to fail by selectors who made him open against Jasprit Bumrah

Nathan McSweeney won’t be a part of Australian cricket’s biggest day and the decision to dump him for the Boxing Day Test was not only harsh, but it looks like he was set up to fail. McSweeney was put in a very difficult position, having to open in a high-pressure series against a top-notch attack, facing one of the best fast bowlers in the world in Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah has proven a challenge for most of Australia’s experienced top six, boasting years of experience in international cricket, so to ask a debutant to take on a new role at the top of the order seemed unfair. It’s also worth noting that the established top-order players Usman Khawaja (averaging 12.6 for the series) and Marnus Labuschagne (14.4) haven’t been delivering either, making it even more frustrating that the youngest player in the team was singled out. McSweeney’s stats in his first three Tests as an opening batsman (72 runs at 14.4) might not reflect the best start to his career, but it’s important to note that he isn’t typically an opener and is facing who many consider to be the best bowler in the world —and Bumrah’s stats certainly back that up. It feels like he hasn’t been given a proper chance to establish himself, even though his efforts in Adelaide during a tricky night session helped win that game. Overall, he was thrown into a challenging situation and quickly discarded with a limited opportunity to prove himself. I guess that’s just what happens in the ruthless world of elite sport. But it hasn’t always been like this. Ricky Ponting is one of Australia’s greatest Test No.3s, yet was brought into the Test team at No.5 and No.6 for his first series before moving up to first drop to replace the retiring David Boon. McSweeney deserves the chance to bat lower in the order, especially against the older ball. The introduction of a new Test batsman is a time the experienced batters should rally to support the newer player, helping him gain confidence in a team setting. I am sure that McSweeney can rebound from this experience and showcase the potential he’s already hinted at. His mental strength and fighting spirit are commendable traits that could serve him well as he navigates future challenges. With time and the right opportunities, I believe he has the potential to contribute to the team. There’s been a perception for a while that the coaches and selectors favour experienced players, which can be frustrating for fans and younger players alike. While experience is undeniably valuable, there’s also a clear need to invest in the future of the team, particularly when it comes to nurturing younger talent such as McSweeney. It will be interesting to see how the selectors handle such situations with younger players moving forward and whether they can find a balance that supports both immediate performance and future growth. Because we all know the bulk of the Australian Test team isn’t getting any younger and more turnover is inevitable. While the door closes on McSweeney’s Test career, at least for now, teenager Sam Konstas might get the chance to make a dream debut on Boxing Day after being named in the 15-man squad. While I’m not entirely convinced that Konstas has shown enough yet, it’s clear the 19-year-old is a huge talent and is performing well in all forms right now. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out, especially now that the series is in a must-win situation. The MCG has a way of bringing out the best in athletes and we can expect some thrilling moments ahead. However, we shouldn’t overlook Josh Inglis, also part of the extended squad, when it comes to finding a new opening partner for Khawaja. The selectors seem keen for someone to take the attack to Bumrah and Inglis’ aggressive batting style could make him a valuable asset at the top of the order, similar to what Konstas has demonstrated. Inglis has the flexibility to float within the batting order and has experience opening the batting in other forms. He could provide a counter-attacking option, helping to get the innings off to a brisk start. The other concern is where Mitch Marsh is at. He’s also been light on for runs this series (69 runs at 13.8) and despite maintaining he’s fit to bowl, he is not bowling much. Marsh, 33, bowled just two overs at the Gabba despite Josh Hazlewood only sending down six overs due to injury. In-form all-rounder Beau Webster is waiting in the wings. It all feels like Australian cricket is beginning a time of change, and at an interesting time too ahead of the Ashes next summer – the series the Aussies prioritise and set themselves for. It’s always hard for fans when you see a player or players you have grown to love and watch them begin to fade or retire. But the game does move on, and these players have given their all in the baggy green. The only certainty is that change is ahead, and I do wonder what our squad will look like for the first Ashes Test at Optus Stadium next summer.