Southern australia

Great Barrier Reef Arena: After being confirmed to open for Australia A in the second four-day match against India A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), skipper Nathan McSweeney said he will be very much comfortable and confident of opening the batting against brand new Kookaburra ball.

McSweeney has never opened in first-class cricket but will partner with Marcus Harris in a move that signifies the duo are ahead in the race to be Usman Khawaja’s partner for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opening game against India, starting on November 22 in Perth.

McSweeney, who represents South Australia in domestic cricket, made scores of 39 and 88 not out as a number four batter in the seven-wicket win for Australia A over India A in the first four-day game at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay. "For me, nothing really changes. Batting three for South Australia, I do similar prep with the new ball. For me, it's try and nail the same preparation. Go out there and give myself every chance to go out and do a good job for the team."