'Didn't have to push too hard' - Nathan McSweeney steers Australia A to victory with 123 in Puducherry

Nathan McSweeney scored 123 and shared a 141-run partnership with captain Will Sutherland to lift Australia A from a precarious position and guide them to 274 in the first unofficial one-day international against India A in Puducherry on October 6, 2026. The total proved well beyond India A's reach.

Australia A had slipped to 104 for 5 on a bouncy track before McSweeney steadied the innings. He was dismissed in the 48th over, having contributed 123 of the team's 274 runs. The hundred was his second in List A cricket and his first big score in one-day cricket in India. He was named Player of the Match for his effort.

"I've played with Will Sutherland a fair bit now and we had a great partnership together. We ran well when we needed to and then [we] just took it easy when we didn't have to push too hard," McSweeney said, speaking to Cricinfo.

How did McSweeney's county stint shape his batting in India?

McSweeney arrived in India with considerable momentum from his county season with Northamptonshire. He had scored 485 runs in eight innings in the One-day Cup at an average of just under 70 and a strike rate of 95.7, his most productive one-day season to date. That experience is understood to have helped him develop a clearer picture of his own game. Facing India A's spin attack on home soil presented a different challenge. McSweeney acknowledged the quality of the opposition's bowlers and explained how he adjusted his method at the crease.

"Yeah, I think their [India's] spinners are obviously world-class in India. As an Australian coming over, that's a huge challenge. So, just trying to use my feet, sit a little bit deeper. Batting with Will, he's a lot taller than me, so we complement each other really well, and yeah, it worked today, which was very nice," He said.

What did McSweeney's bowling contribution add to Australia A's effort?

Beyond his batting, McSweeney also contributed with the ball, taking a wicket with his offspin during India A's reply. He reflected on the role bowling plays in his overall game and the advantage of operating in subcontinental conditions.

"Yeah, I think bowling has always been a part of my game. I haven't been able to impact a lot [with the ball] throughout my career, but it's something I work hard at and I bowl at the nets as much as I can. So it was pleasing today that I could break a partnership. Bowling [spin] over in India is a lot better than bowling back home in Australia, so I'm enjoying my opportunities with the ball."