How Virat Kohli helped Nathan McSweeney prepare for India tour

Australian batter Nathan McSweeney has revealed that he watched videos of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith to learn how to play spin in India. McSweeney played a key role in the Australia A’s recent 2-1 series victory over India A after they had lost 0-1 in the Test series.

The 27-year-old accumulated 194 runs from three innings at an average of 64.67 and a strike rate of 83.62. He started the series with a phenomenal 123 (135), laced with 13 fours and followed it up with 32 (39) and 39 (58) in the last two matches. 

Following his prolific run in the series, the youngster gave a glimpse into his preparations, revealing that he had watched Kohli and Smith’s footage on YouTube to prepare for the series.

"I think obviously coming to India as an Australian, it's a heavy spin focus and you try and work hard and watch the great Indian players on how they play spin. [Watching] Virat Kohli on YouTube trying to study how he goes about it, Steve Smith, other Australians that have come over and done really well. So, there's plenty of analysts and data that we are given as well. So, it's nice to action that out in the middle and execute it fairly well,” McSweeney told the host broadcaster after the white-ball series ended on Sunday.

McSweeney was particularly impressive with his footwork as he used the depth of the crease and also charged down the track to unsettle the Indian bowlers. 

"I'm very pleased to come over here in good conditions and spend some time in the middle, which is always nice, and a series win in India is no easy feat by any international team coming over. It's a very tough place to come and play cricket against tough competition always. So, yeah, well done to our boys and it's nice to get a series win,” he added.

Todd Murphy on Australia A's victory

Australia A captain Todd Murphy, who was the joint-highest wicket-taker of the Test series with ten wickets in two matches, also extolled his team following a remarkable comeback in the One Day matches.

"Yeah, I think 2-1-series wins are really pleasing. Obviously, we would have loved for it to be 3-0, but I think there's a lot of positives coming out of the series. So, all in all, we're really happy,” Murphy said.