10/10: Why Healy is giving McSweeney a top rating for the start of his Test career

Ian Healy has been a huge fan of Nathan McSweeney’s start to his Test career.

While the South Australian captain has scored just 59 Test runs so far at an average of 19.66, Healy has been so impressed with how the 25-year-old has battled in tough conditions.

After making 10 & 0 in his debut Test in Perth, McSweeney began to find his feet in Adelaide making a critical 39 in the first innings after batting through the night session against a swinging pink ball on Day 1 before finishing with 10 not out and the winning runs in the second dig.

Healy was asked what grade out of 10 he’d give McSweeney for his efforts so far, and the former Aussie keeper couldn’t be more glowing on what he’s done so far.

“10 (out of 10),” Healy replied on SEN Sportsday NSW.

“You won't get harder batting conditions, and I'll bet this Gabba wicket is green having been under the covers for the last few days.

“The overcast conditions are also still happening here, so the pitch might be a little bit tacky, moist and green. So, he's going to get it (tough conditions) again.

“He's demonstrated a technique. He's demonstrated that resistance we talked about when he and Marnus Labuschagne batted out the night in Adelaide.

“He didn't capitalise the next day, he'll be dirty with that, but then he got the winning runs in the second innings to win his first Test.

“In the field, he's also outstanding as a close infielder and outfielder - wherever the captain wants him, he's been a bit of a livewire.”

While McSweeney hasn’t dominated with the willow so far, Healy thinks most of that is a result of the conditions and he hopes that he finally gets some conducive time at the crease in Brisbane.

“Remember, these are the batting conditions that Steve Smith jumped out of at the end of last season,” Healy said.

“Steve Smith thought, ‘Oh, I'll open’, then after four Tests he goes, ‘Oh, no, I'm a number four batsman’, that’s why McSweeney is having to go up there.

“It’s hard and he’s up against quality bowlers … let's hope he gets some batting conditions in Brisbane.”

The third Test between Australia and India at the Gabba begins at 11:20 am (AEDT) and 10:20 am (AEST) on Saturday. Listen to every ball LIVE on SEN and the SEN app.