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The Australian cricket team will tour in 2015 with supreme confidence, charisma and ability after an astonishing 2014-15 summer.
Despite this success the cricket calendar goes on with two significant journeys to contrasting cultures, landscapes and scenery.
Still, the 17-man squad for the West Indies and the UK looks intimidating and destructive.
A number were unlucky, including Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner and especially Joe Burns, however this article will focus mainly on the 17 who have been selected.
The squad is as follows:
Michael Clarke (c)
Steven Smith (vc)
Fawad Ahmed
Brad Haddin
Josh Hazlewood
Ryan Harris (Ashes only)
Mitchell Johnson
Nathan Lyon
Shaun Marsh
Mitchell Marsh
Peter Nevill
Chris Rogers
Peter Siddle
Mitchell Starc
Adam Voges
David Warner
Shane Watson.
Rod Marsh stated in his press conference on Tuesday, “We believe this squad has sufficient depth for these important Test matches against the West Indies and England and will give us the best chance of success.”
Rod, Indeed you are right.
Opening batsmen
David Warner and Chris Rogers
This duo balance aggression and patience, which worked a treat in both the Ashes and India’s tour of Australia. These guys complement each other superbly, with consistent performances and the ability to get the Aussies off to a great start. This will be crucial against both the Windies and the Poms.
Jerome Taylor and Jason Holder both showed how dangerous their pace and bounce can be, while although Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad suffered during the World Cup, their experience and resilience is sure to see them be tough opponents in England.
Middle order batsmen
Michael Clarke, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges
Clarke and Smith are obviously shoe-ins for both tours, batting at three and four respectively. However the persistence with Shaun Marsh and the introduction of Adam Voges after a stellar Shield season adds another dimension to both a sophisticated and experienced middle order.
With Australia likely to play an all-rounder at six, it seems as if there are three spots for four people competing in these positions.
Despite Shaun Marsh’s recent recoveries, Voges offers class, leadership, patience and personality. This is a massive opportunity for Voges to make it at an international level.
All-rounders
Shane Watson and Mitchell Marsh
After Mitch Marsh looked to have the position in both forms wrapped up, after taking five against the Poms, an injury after Afghanistan brought Watson back in the side and he didn’t waste his second chance. Critical runs, particularly against Pakistan (even though he was lucky), seems to have paid dividends for Watson.
Both bowl very handy medium-fast pacers, generally with a touch of swing and seam from the wicket. The conditions in the UK should suit both these styles.
This is going to be the toughest call for the selectors. Can Mitch Marsh overtake Watson again? I’d allow the confidence Watson has to run through to the longer form of the game, but if there are any signs of complacency then bring back Mitchell!
Expect fierce competition on the field between these two.
Wicketkeepers
Brad Haddin and Peter Nevill
What fantastic recognition this is for the NSW veteran Nevill. A warrior within state cricket, he has finally been acknowledged by the selectors.
Despite this selection, Haddin just keeps on performing and should be the go-to man in all of these Test matches, providing his keeping and batting remains at our very lofty standards!
Hadds, who was so brilliant when Australia needed him in the last Ashes series, will probably retire in the near future and an Ashes win would be the perfect finish to a wonderful career in all forms of the game.
The selection of Nevill and Haddin as the two wicketkeepers will benefit both players, as great friends and competitors. Another good selection by Rod Marsh and co.
Spinners
Nathan Lyon and Fawad Ahmed
Another intriguing selection battle to take place between two spinners at completely different stages in their careers.
Lyon came onto the scene with the wicket of Kumar Sangakkara off his very first ball. His recent success against India (especially in Adelaide) was testament to his attitude to cricket, and the way in which he has developed both mentally and physically.
However the opportunity of a new, refreshing and entertaining Ahmed is a prospect that the selectors might have find too hard to resist.
A terrific year of Shield cricket for Victoria was capped off by that incredible 8/89 in the final against WA. His variation, bounce and the vast length he turns the ball gives the impression that Ahmed could do what many spinners have struggled to do since Shane Warne retired: bowl Australia to victory.
Lyon has the experience and the patience to retain the spinner’s spot for now. But beware, Ahmed is coming.
Fast bowlers
Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris
After a sensational World Cup as a bowling group, Starc, Johnson and Hazlewood continue to press their claims as the three bowlers lead Australia, despite the long brilliance from our veterans in Siddle and Harris.
For the first time since Nathan Bracken and Mitchell Johnson, it seems as if two left-hand bowlers may not just play in the same team but possibly open the bowling together. Johnson and Starc seem to have their spots relatively safe for the time being, after another impressive summer for Johnson and a break-through World Cup for Starc, taking 22 wickets at 10.18.
This leaves the primary battle to be between the right-hand bowlers. With Harris only available for the UK, Siddle and Hazlewood are competing for the other bowling spot. However one feels when Harris returns he will take that third spot.
Conclusion
It’s an intimidating squad for both the Windies and the Poms to deal with. A balanced opening partnership, a mix of youth, experience and leadership within the middle order, two highly competitive and motivated all-rounders, experienced keepers, patient yet entertaining spinners, and five destructive paceman. This Australian squad has serious potential not just for 2015 but beyond.
My XI
Chris Rogers
David Warner
Steve Smith
Michael Clarke
Adam Voges
Shane Watson
Brad Haddin
Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Starc
Ryan Harris (UK)/Josh Hazlewood (WI)
Nathan Lyon
12th man: Fawad Ahmed.
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