Prime Minister's XI captain Nathan McSweeney believes Cameron Bancroft is leading the race to replace David Warner as Test opener for Australia.
With Warner set to retire at the end of Sydney’s New Year Test against Pakistan, a battle has erupted for the soon-to-be vacant opener position between Bancroft, Marcus Harris and Matthew Renshaw.
All three have been named in the PM’s XI match against Pakistan in Canberra and McSweeney has thrown his support behind Bancroft to return to the Test arena.
“We have three openers in this game,” McSweeney told SENQ.
“For me, I’d like to think that the runs Cameron Bancroft has made in Sheffield Shield cricket has probably made it pretty hard not to pick him.
“In saying that, if any of the three got the opportunity (to play for Australia), then they’d do a great job.
“They’ve all made runs at some point throughout this year and have done for the past few years.
“It’d be stiff on Bancroft not to pick him given the sheer amount of runs he has scored in the past five years.
“I don't think there is a bad choice.”
McSweeney is no stranger to representing Australia having done so for Australia A but the 24-year-old will captain the side over the likes of Queensland Bulls captain Jimmy Peirson.
The South Australian all-rounder admitted captaincy was a daunting prospect but is excited to learn from some more experienced players around him.
“I have been told I have to give a speech at Parliament house on Tuesday evening,” McSweeney said.
“I’m not the best with speeches and I don’t need that pressure (before the match).
“I think the selectors see it as a great experience for now and hopefully, I can lead South Australia and then the dream will be to play for Australia.
“I’m just going to be there and try to soak up as many learning opportunities and try to learn off the guys like Bancroft, Renshaw and Cameron Green.
“I’m just looking to see how they go about it.”
The four-day match between the PM’s XI and Pakistan XI will begin on December 6 at Manuka Oval.