He was the surprise selection that few had heard of when he arrived into Test cricket but Michael Beer says he feels like he belongs at the highest level.
The unheralded West Australian, plucked from state level after a handful of first class games to play against England in the final Ashes Test at the SCG, is now preparing to play in Australia’s opening match against Sri Lanka this week.
But the left-arm spinner says the shock and surprise of his initial call-up has now worn off and he truly feels a part of the Australian squad – so much so that he is happy to pass on his tips to the Test team’s newest arrivals, Trent Copeland and Nathan Lyon on how to settle in.
“I definitely feel settled,” Beer told reporters after Australia’s three-day tour match in Colombo against a Sri Lanka Board XI, which ended on Saturday in a tame draw.
“Definitely I feel part of the group.
“I’ve tried to help Trent and Nathan and that from what I learnt when I came in last year.
“With this group it’s very easy to settle in. They’re great guys who are fun to be around.”
Beer’s acceptance towards Lyon hardly suggests any animosity towards the South Australia off-spinner who could well take his place in the Test team when the first match starts in Galle on Wednesday.
Instead he feels a certain affinity to Lyon, another rookie plucked from obscurity to take on the game’s best.
“I get on great with him,” Beer said.
“I mentioned when the squad was announced a couple of years ago we were both at spin camp together and I’d just got contracted and I knew South Australia were talking to him.
“We’ve both come from similar surroundings, playing local cricket and working our way up. Definitely respect that … he’s a great bowler and got a lot to offer.”
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