After a horrible performance in the UAE, a positive T20 series win and a good start to the five-game ODI Series against South Africa, it is hard to know what to expect from Australia in the upcoming Test series.
Not only that, it is still uncertain what the team will look like. In light of this, I’ve decided to add my two cents’ worth on who should be in the baggy green come the first Test on December fourth in Brisbane.
1. David Warner
Age – 28
Australia’s best batsman at the moment and is in great form. Played quite well in the UAE and made two scores over 50, including a masterful 133. Great in the field as well.
2. Chris Rogers
Age – 37
Struggled in the UAE but played well last summer and in England during the winter which included a knock of 203*.
He deserves another crack on Australian soil but may not last the full series. Very reliable in the field.
3. Shane Watson
Age – 33
After a stint away from the game Watson appears to be refreshed and raring to go. His 83 in the domestic one-day final reminded people of what he can do when in form. Watson has also improved his technique and is less prone to getting out plumb LBW. He also provides a genuine bowling option and picks up handy wickets.
4. Steve Smith
Age – 25
Inexplicably dropped from Australia’s side after playing well in the UAE in both the One Dayers and Test matches. A steady 97 in the last Test in the UAE backed up his innings of 101 against Pakistan in the second ODI. Smith is also a good fieldsman and picks up the occasional wicket here and there.
5/6. Mitchell Marsh
Age – 23
Showed a lot of promise in his debut Test series in the UAE. His innings of 87 in the second Test gives him a spot in the side. Marsh can also bowl at a decent pace and gives Australia another option in the attack.
5/6. Glenn Maxwell
Age – 26
You either love him or you hate him, and you’ve guessed it, I love him. He is energetic in the field and as a batsman. Many people view him as overrated and even if he is, I believe he must be given a go in Australian conditions.
He also provides another option, as he is a handy off spin bowler.
7. Brad Haddin
Age – 37
Dislocated his shoulder in the UAE but Haddin says he will be fine for the first Test. Not long until he is replaced and my guess is Matt Wade will return to the side. Haddin still keeps well and has saved Australia multiple times with the bat, so he deserves his place.
8. Mitchell Johnson
Age – 33
ICC Player of the Year and ICC Test player of the year for 2014. Johnson is Australia’s best player and and since the start of 2013 he hasn’t disappointed. Johnson can also be considered a bowling all rounder as he is quite a good batsman.
9. Peter Siddle
Age – 29
Siddle will bowl his heart out. Although the stats don’t always show it, Siddle is a very good bowler and always contributes.
10. Ryan Harris
Age – 35
If he is fit he is one of the best swing bowlers in the business. Harris will return to first class cricket when he plays for Queensland against New South Wales. Bowled beautifully during the 2013-14 Ashes series and against South Africa in 2014.
11. Nathan Lyon
Age – 26
Struggled in the UAE in spinning conditions and many have already written him off. Seems to bowl well in Australia and there is not enough evidence to drop him.
12th man. Mitchell Starc
Age – 24
Bowled well for NSW against South Australia last week and picked up 4/64 and 3/53. Created chances against Pakistan in the second Test.
Players unlucky to miss out include: Michael Clarke (injury), George Bailey, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja and Matt Wade.
As for the position of captain, Brad Haddin or Steve Smith would fill the role perfectly.
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