'He is hungry': Carey backs McSweeney for Test return ahead of South Africa tour

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey has backed Nathan McSweeney to push his way back into Test contention, describing the 27-year-old South Australia captain as hungry for another chance at the highest level. Carey spoke ahead of Australia's upcoming three-match Test series in South Africa in October, which marks the beginning of a 19-Test stretch for the side over the next 12 months.

Australia are expected to name a squad of 16 or 17 players for the South Africa assignment, with selectors likely to include one additional batter. The candidates in contention include Cooper Connelly, Kurtis Patterson, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas and Oliver Peake. Whether Marnus Labuschagne is selected for the tour is described as a tough question for the national selectors. The remarks came shortly after Australia drew their home Test series against Bangladesh 1-1, sealing the second match with an innings and 51-run victory in Mackay. Carey acknowledged the strength of Australia's batting options, while also confirming there is no immediate pressure to make changes.

"There is certainly some really good depth and some great options and headaches for selectors. There is a bit of time between that next Test match and we are always looking for ways to improve," Carey said, as quoted by The West Australian

McSweeney made his Test debut on November 22, 2024, and featured in three matches against India without making a significant impact, averaging 14.4 across those appearances. He was added to the Test squad in January 2025 for the two-match series against Sri Lanka but was not called upon in either game. His prospects at the top level appeared uncertain, yet his performances in England during 2026 have brought him firmly back into the selection conversation.

Playing for Northamptonshire in the second division of the County Championship, McSweeney compiled three centuries before cutting short his stint to return home and prepare for the Australia A series against India A, with the squad for that tour set to be announced shortly. Carey acknowledged the difficulty of McSweeney's debut conditions.

"He did have a tough start. I think we all had a pretty tough series against Bumrah in that one. Nathan has probably gone away from that experience and probably learned a lot about himself. Nathan has had a taste of it. He is hungry," Carey said.

The competition for batting places has intensified as Australia prepare for one of their busiest Test periods in recent years. McSweeney's role as South Australia captain in the Sheffield Shield has kept him prominent in domestic cricket, and his county stint has added further weight to his case.

His involvement in the Australia A tour against India A is widely expected to be a significant factor in the selectors' thinking. Once that squad is confirmed and the matches get underway, the picture around his Test recall should become clearer.