Mitchell Swepson would love nothing more than to make his Test debut this summer, but knows he will have to wait his turn behind premier spinner Nathan Lyon.
In-form spinner Swepson says he is not counting his chickens just yet despite earning selection in Australia’s squad for the four-Test series against India.
Swepson has been the standout bowler of the Sheffield Shield season to date, snaring 23 wickets in three matches at an average of 21.17.
The 27-year-old is yet to make his Test debut, despite being included in the extended squad for last summer’s SCG Test against New Zealand.
Although he was overlooked for a spot in the final XI, he was considered a strong chance to earn his baggy green in the subsequent tour of Bangladesh – which ended up being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Swepson is hoping it will be a case of third-time lucky in the upcoming series against India.
But with Nathan Lyon a lock to be Australia’s first-choice spinner during the series, Swepson will need to rely on a slice of luck on the selection front.
His greatest chance appears to be for the third Test at the SCG, where the selectors could opt for two spinners.
“Gaz is obviously the premier spinner and has been for a while,” Swepson said of Lyon.
“He’s proven himself time and time again in Test matches. I’m not counting my chickens too much there with getting a go above him.
“But if conditions suit, there may be a chance they play two spinners.
“Given the current times with COVID being around, and illness and things like that, you have to be ready to go no matter what.
“I’ll be preparing to play all four games. If the chance comes, I’ll hopefully take it with two hands. And if not, so be it. I’m sure there’ll be more chances in the future.”
Swepson has also been included in the Australia A squad for the two warm-up games against India.
That will give him the perfect chance to showcase his skills against what is expected to be a strong Indian batting line-up that could feature Virat Kohli.
“You want to challenge yourself against the best, and it’s no secret he’s up there with the best,” Swepson said.
“For me it’s another challenge and another thing that excites me to be able to test myself against a great cricketer.
“Their whole batting line-up is world-class. So any opportunity to bowl at those guys is a test for myself and a challenge I can’t wait to get.”
© AAP
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