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Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh are the key inclusions in Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Both players are uncapped in the Test arena, and were named in a 15-man squad for the Tests which also includes injured all-rounder Shane Watson, short form stalwart Glenn Maxwell and incumbent number three Alex Doolan. Phillip Hughes has also been named, and is slated to contend with Doolan for the crucial number three spot in the order.
Rod Marsh was cagey on whether O’Keefe and Lyon were both set for a start in the first Test, but hinted the selectors were looking at that option from the outset.
“We have picked Steve O’Keefe as the extra spinner for the Test tour. We are unsure what pitch conditions we will encounter in the UAE but we need to be prepared to play two spinners. Steve was the highest wicket-taker in the Bupa Sheffield Shield last season and we are confident he can perform at the next level.
He gave fewer clues on the future of Marsh, who could come into the side if Shane Watson isn’t fit to bowl.
“Mitch Marsh is a player of immense talent and is a bright prospect for the future of Australian cricket. His form with Australia A has been fantastic and he carried that through to the recent Zimbabwe tour. If he gets his opportunity, we know he will make the most of it.”
Against Hughes is the fact that they are playing against possibly the finest off spinner in the game at the moment Saeed Ajmal, but the New South Welshman turned Redback has showed a willingness to adapt and fight against quality spin. Whether it will be enough to wrest the spot from Doolan, however, remains in doubt.
Hughes will travel to the UAE earlier than his teammates to work on his batting against spin with coaching consultant Muthiah Muralidaran.
“Phil has been in excellent form and has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad,” said head selector Rod Marsh.
“His attitude to his game has been first rate and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
The inclusion of Marsh has prompted discussion of whether Australia will play two all-rounders, Marsh and Watson, and two spinners, Lyon and O’Keefe. With Shane Watson’s injury problems, Marsh remains in strong contention due to his improved batting and strong bowling.
George Bailey has stepped down as Australian T20 captain and been replaced by gun batsman Aaron Finch, currently the number one-ranked batsman in world cricket.
Selectors named just three fast-bowlers – Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle – in the Test squad.
Captain Michael Clarke and all-rounder Shane Watson have both been named for the Test and ODI squads and will be aiming to prove their fitness, having been ruled out of the recent ODI tour of Zimbabwe.
Australia are set to play two Tests, three ODIs and a sole Twenty20 match against Pakistan in the UAE in October and early November.
Test squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Alex Doolan, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve O’Keefe, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
ODI squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Sean Abbott, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
T20 squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Cameron Boyce, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
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