Australia A finished Day 2 at 554-7 declared, taking a commanding lead of 388 runs over England Lions' first-innings 166 at Allan Border Field, with Nathan McSweeney steering the innings through two late partnerships.

McSweeney was central to the late innings, sharing a 72-run second-wicket stand with Campbell Kellaway and a 135-run third-wicket partnership with Cooper Connolly, before Australia A declared.

Beau Webster contributed 44 and, alongside McSweeney, helped build a crucial 117-run fourth-wicket stand with Xavier Bartlett behind Webster’s 117-run stand with McSweeney; Bartlett later scored 83 for a strong start to the day.

In the Lions’ bowling, England bowlers Nathan Gilchrist and Josh Hull claimed three wickets apiece, with Jacob Bethell also getting Bartlett, as they fought to restrict the hosts.

McSweeney, usually a top-order bat, is considered for an opening role given his current form and the challenge Bumrah posed in past India assignments.

McSweeney has shown a bright run of scores recently, including a 63 against the PM XI and a sequence of 103, 68, 63, and 222 not out in recent weeks, underscoring a rapid resurgence.

Beau Webster joined McSweeney for a 100+ partnership early in the innings, contributing 44 himself in a key fourth-wicket stand that helped set up the big total.

McSweeney reached a historic milestone by advancing to 222 not out, delivering his maiden first-class double century against England Lions on Day 2.

The innings featured 27 fours and two sixes as McSweeney carried Australia A to a dominant position, signaling his case for higher honors.

The ongoing Ashes context looms over selection, with Khawaja’s fitness for the third Test in Adelaide still unclear and debates about promoting an opener alongside Weatherald as Head might move to No.5.

McSweeney’s rise comes after his Australia Test debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he played three Tests and scored 72 runs; he has 50 first-class matches with an average around 36, highlighting his experience and potential.

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