Nathan McSweeney took his Test omission in his stride and smashed an unbeaten 78 off 49 balls to help Brisbane Heat register a close three-wicket win over Adelaide Strikers in Sunday’s Big Bash League clash at the Gabba.

Batting at No.3, McSweeney, who had a torrid time against the Indian quicks — especially Jasprit Bumrah — in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy as an opener, hammered 10 boundaries and two maximums as Brisbane Heat reached the 175-run target in the last ball of the game.

This innings certainly couldn’t have come at a better time for McSweeney, who was “devastated” following his axe from the fourth Test in Melbourne. He was replaced by a younger Sam Konstas, who’s set for his debut in the Boxing Day game beginning on Thursday.

‘Middle-order future’

Former England captain Michael Vaughan sympathised with McSweeney for his struggles against Bumrah which led to his exclusion from the Test squad and said the latter could return as a middle-order batter in future.

“... I think he will end up being an Australian Test cricketer, but I don’t think he’ll be up the top of the order. I think it’ll be down at No.4 or 5,” Vaughan told Fox Sports.

“The next time he gets the chance to wear the baggy green, I’d want him to be in the position where he’s played all his life. I feel for Nathan, I think he’ll be back. But I totally understand why Australia made this move."