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Nathan McSweeney's Maiden Double Ton: Why It Puts Khawaja's Ashes Spot in Jeopardy

Nathan McSweeney has announced himself with a brilliant, unbeaten double century for Australia A. His marathon knock of 222 has dramatically shifted the momentum in the unofficial Test against the England Lions. This performance comes at a perfect time, with a spot potentially opening up in the senior Test side. McSweeney's timing couldn't be better, as he pushes for a recall to the Ashes squad.

Key Points: Nathan McSweeney Slams Double Century for Australia A vs England Lions

  • Nathan McSweeney remained unbeaten on 222 from 365 balls with 27 fours and two sixes
  • He built three century-plus partnerships, notably 135 runs with Cooper Connolly
  • His knock helped Australia A reach 554/7, securing a massive 388-run first-innings lead
  • The innings boosts his case for an Ashes recall as Usman Khawaja battles injury
2 min read

Nathan McSweeney slams his maiden double century in FC cricket against England Lions

Nathan McSweeney hits an unbeaten 222 for Australia A, staking a strong claim for a Test recall amid Usman Khawaja's injury concerns in the Ashes.

"McSweeney's double century has put him in contention to replace struggling Usman Khawaja. - Article"

Brisbane, December 6

Star batter Nathan McSweeney slammed his maiden double century in First-Class (FC) cricket during the only unofficial Test match between the Australia A cricket team and the England Lions on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Nathan McSweeney finished unbeaten on 222 runs off 365 balls, including 27 fours and two sixes, as the Australia A side went to stumps on Day 2 at 554/7 in reply to England Lions' 166 runs in the first innings.

McSweeney added 72 runs with Campbell Kellaway (71) for the second wicket partnership, before stitching a superb 135-run stand with Cooper Connolly for the third wicket. Cooper fell 12 runs short of his maiden hundred in FC cricket.

Apart from McSweeney, all-rounder Beau Webster (44), who has been released from the Australia squad for the Brisbane Test against England in the Ashes, added 117 runs with the 26-year-old for the fourth wicket.

McSweeney's third 100+ partnership of the game came with pacer Xavier Bartlett, who notched up his highest FC score of 83 as Australia A ended their day on a high note with a lead of 388 runs.

McSweeney made his Test debut for Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India. The 26-year-old played three Test matches, scoring 72 runs, with a highest score of 39 runs. Overall, McSweeney has played 50 FC matches, scoring 3061 runs at an average of 36.01.

McSweeney's double century has put him in contention to replace struggling Usman Khawaja in the ongoing five-match Test series against England.

Khawaja didn't bat in the second innings of the first Test in Perth after suffering back spasms. In place of Khawaja, Travis Head opened the innings for Australia and scored a match-winning century, helping the hosts win the first Test by eight wickets.

Khawaja was ruled out of the second Test in Brisbane against England after he failed to recover on time. Khawaja is hopeful of being fit for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide on December 17, but it remains to be seen whether the 38-year-old will be brought back in.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Great innings, but let's be honest, it's against the England Lions, not the full Test side. His numbers against India in the BGT were modest. He needs to prove himself against top-tier bowling in the pressure of an Ashes Test. Still, well played.
A
Aryan P
As an Indian fan, I remember him from the Border-Gavaskar series. He looked solid but didn't convert. This double ton shows his class. Australia's bench strength is scary good. They always find someone!
S
Sarah B
​​365-ball marathon! That's the kind of grit you need in Test cricket. Khawaja has been a rock, but at 38, maybe it's time to blood the younger player. Tough call for the selectors.
V
Vikram M
The partnership with Xavier Bartlett (83!) would have been the most frustrating for the Lions. When your number 8 or 9 starts scoring like that, you know it's not your day. England's bowling reserves seem a bit thin.
K
Karan T
Perfect example of "performance at the right time". Head scored a century opening, now McSweeney a double. Khawaja's place is under serious threat, injury or not. The Aussie way - never sentimental, always performance-based.

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