Michael Clarke tears apart Australian selectors for dropping Nathan McSweeney

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke criticized the decision to drop Nathan McSweeney from the squad for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India. Michael Clarke said that Usman Khawaja has been out of form and questioned why Nathan McSweeney was dropped.

McSweeney received his maiden call-up to the Test team for the first Test match against India. However, McSweeney struggled against top-quality bowling led by Jasprit Bumrah. The right-handed batter recorded scores of 10, 0, 39, 10*, 9, and 4. His underwhelming performance led to his omission.

Nathan McSweeney Has Been Dropped - Michael Clarke

Speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket podcast, Michael Clarke said that the selectors made the wrong call by omitting Nathan McSweeney despite his lack of runs. Clarke stated that McSweeney should have been given the entire series to prove himself. He also questioned the inclusion of Usman Khawaja.

"Nathan McSweeney has been dropped. I can't believe that. No matter who they picked in that opening position, they had to give them the series. I think the selectors have got this wrong. We've got Usman Khawaja who is 38 years old, he's made no runs. He's a senior player," Clarke said on the 'Beyond 23 Cricket' podcast.

19-year-old Sam Konstas, who is yet to make his debut, earned his maiden call-up. This decision has sparked debate, with selectors explaining that Konstas's batting style is better suited for the upcoming games. They also clarified that McSweeney remains in contention for future assignments.

Marnus Labuschagne Has Made No Runs - Michael Clarke

Clarke also pointed out the struggles of Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja. He said that the selectors overlooked Nathan McSweeney despite Khawaja's age and lack of form.

"We've got Marnus Labuschagne, who we were talking about before the series before he made a 60. He has made no runs. Smith batted like a genius and made a hard-fought 100 here, but he's been under pressure. Everyone apart from McSweeney is over 30 years of age and high 30s," Clarke questioned.

What Happens If Usman Khawaja Retires in Two Test Matches - Michael Clarke

Sam Konstas (42.23) has a slightly better First-Class average than McSweeney’s and scored 107 in a warm-up match. However, Michael Clarke raised doubts about whether he was ready for the challenge, especially considering he faced a Bumrah-less attack.

"What happens if Usman Khawaja retires in two Test matches? Does McSweeney then come back in, or does he go to the back of the queue? They’ve got to come out and say, ‘We made a mistake picking him.'"

The fourth Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, starting on Dec 26, Thursday. It will be crucial for both teams to gain the lead, with the series tied at 1-1.

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