Photo via The Times of India

How watching Virat Kohli's videos helped Australia A star tackle Indian spinners

Australia A’s Nathan McSweeney turned to unconventional preparation ahead of their one-day series against India A in Puducherry, studying YouTube footage of Virat Kohli and other top batsmen to master the challenges of Indian spin bowling. His method paid off handsomely, as McSweeney topped the run-scoring charts with 194 runs across three innings—averaging 64.66 and maintaining a strike rate of 83.62—while earning Player of the Series honors.

The Australian opener’s disciplined approach, featuring crisp footwork, well-timed sweeps, and strategic use of the crease, disrupted India’s spinners and anchored his team’s 2-1 series victory. Australia A’s campaign began with a 125-run win in the first match, followed by a 69-run triumph in the second, before India A staved off a clean sweep with a 49-run victory in the final game.

McSweeney, who had struggled to convert starts in Australia A’s earlier unofficial Test series loss, credited his success to blending video analysis with the data provided by his team’s support staff, calling it a ‘special result’ to secure a series win in India’s spin-friendly conditions.

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