Nathan McSweeney’s Test debut against India in Perth didn’t go as planned, with the young opener dismissed for scores of 10 and 0 against a formidable Indian attack. However, former Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris has expressed confidence in McSweeney’s abilities, backing him to perform better in the upcoming pink-ball Test in Adelaide.

Ryan Harris, who coaches McSweeney in South Australia, believes the 25-year-old is “well-equipped” to handle the challenge of opening for Australia, even though the role differs slightly from his usual position at No. 3 or No. 4.

“For now, I think he’s the best person for it, but like everyone, he needs to score runs,” Ryan Harris told SEN. He acknowledged that McSweeney faced two excellent deliveries in Perth, which made his debut tougher. While Harris sees McSweeney as a temporary fit for the opener’s role, he hinted that the young batter’s long-term position might lie at No. 3, depending on the future of veteran opener Usman Khawaja.

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“Ultimately, he probably slots back into three at some stage,” Ryan Harris added. “If Uzzie keeps going and performing well, they’ll likely stick with the current combination. But if Khawaja retires, perhaps next summer, someone like Sam Konstas might step in, forming a new opening pair.”

McSweeney has displayed his potential in domestic cricket, scoring 291 runs in his last four innings, including a century in the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup. Despite his struggles in Perth, the opener remains optimistic about improving against the Indian bowling attack, particularly Jasprit Bumrah. Reflecting on facing Bumrah, McSweeney admitted the unique action was challenging but saw it as a valuable learning experience.

“In Shield cricket, we face the same bowlers regularly, but international cricket is a different beast,” Nathan McSweeney told 9News Adelaide. “Bumrah’s unique action was tricky to pick up, but I’ll be better for the experience. I’m excited to play in Adelaide and put on a good performance.”

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The pink-ball Test, beginning December 6, offers McSweeney a chance at redemption. “Preparation is key,” he said. “As a batter, it’s my job to score runs for my country. I’m super excited for the Adelaide Test and ready to contribute to our success.”