As Green heads to the World Cup, a lone contender will be vying for his place in the Test

Despite McSweeney’s struggles against India’s spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, Travis Head’s success as an opener against England has opened the door for the right-hander to force his way into the side in a more familiar middle-order role.

While Green travels to the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, McSweeney – who feels he is a better player for his time in the Baggy Green – will have four Sheffield Shield games to prove his worth.

He will do so in the hope of recapturing the form he had when he entered the Heat tournament when he scored an unbeaten 226 for Australia A against the England Lions.

“It was a big challenge facing Bumrah and I’m better for it. I feel like I have a different outlook on batting mentally,” said McSweeney.

“Technically, I probably didn’t change the whole pile, but I continued to try and figure out little ways to adjust to each pitcher. For me, it’s about trying not to be so fixed and just adjusting to what’s coming at me.”

Opportunities will be plentiful for Australian contenders during a grueling calendar that could include up to 21 Tests over 11 months.

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The first nine matches in this schedule will be at the pace of friendlier Australian and South African conditions. However, the tour to India in 2027 will give the country’s top players a chance to make their mark.

Josh Inglis and McSweeney – who toured with the Test team to Sri Lanka last year and hit two half-centuries in three innings for Australia A in India – are in that category.

“I was very lucky to be taken on [to Sri Lanka]and I worked as hard as I could to try to work out a method that, if I were to play, I could implement. Out of all those experiences, if I got the opportunity to play there, I would be better for it,” McSweeney said.

“There will be an opportunity and I’d love to play for Australia again. I’ve loved every minute of wearing the Baggy Green and it’s something you think about every day.”

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