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Any English spies hoping for last minute research on shock Test selection Michael Beer would have left the Gabba feeling almost as miserable as the Brisbane weather on Saturday.
Beer, 26, was the name on everyone’s lips after earning a third Ashes Test call-up despite playing just five first-class games.
But in a major anti-climax, Beer bowled just two overs for Western Australia in their Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland before heavy rain ensured a premature end to day two.
Queensland were 1-72 in reply to WA’s 331 when the heavens opened in the middle session.
And it seems that was England’s last chance to see arguably Australia’s most talked-about cricketer before the Perth Test.
The left-arm spinner is expected to fly out of Brisbane on Sunday to join the Australia squad for the third Test, which starts on Thursday.
At least England are familiar with Beer after seeing him in action in their opening tour match against WA last month.
In contrast, Beer admits he hardly knows his soon-to-be national teammates.
“(Do I know) Ricky Ponting? Not really,” Beer said after his shock selection was revealed.
“I know Peter Siddle through grade cricket in Victoria.
“And I have played a couple of games with Mitch (Mitchell Johnson) and Huss (Michael Hussey in the WA team) – they seem great.”
Asked if he would be anxious when he arrived in the Australian camp, Beer said: “With a couple of blokes maybe.
“I might introduce myself to them.
“But I am sure that will pass once I get there.”
Not that he intends to be shy with the English batsmen.
Beer reportedly gave Kevin Pietersen a memorable send-off in last month’s tour match.
Beer took 3-108 and 2-99 in that game.
“I am fairly determined and I love a contest,” Beer said.
“So I am hoping that will come out of me if I get the opportunity.
“There’s no doubt England won’t be giving us any favours but I am looking forward to the challenge – it should be good.”
At least Beer’s spell of 0-2 on Saturday was eventful.
He was introduced in the 24th over with the Bulls at 1-72 and immediately troubled both batsmen.
He got an inside edge from Wade Townsend (43 not out) with his very first ball and three deliveries later almost had Craig Philipson (27 not out) when the Bulls batsman mis-judged a cut shot.
Beer has already made an impact with the bat, sharing a 53-run, ninth-wicket stand with David Bandy (66).
WA resumed their first innings on day two at 8-279.
Bandy belted 12 fours before he was caught behind off Luke Feldman (2-101).
Beer was 24 not out.
Debutant Michael Neser (4-53 off 20 overs) was the pick of the Queensland bowlers.
Meanwhile, England’s Ian Bell tried to stick to the party line on Saturday, playing it very straight in any discussion of the Australian team, including the shock selection of Beer.
But Bell, who has returned to Australia a much better player than the previous tour four years ago, said Beer certainly couldn’t be ready for Test cricket after just five first-class matches.
“One hundred per cent no,” said Bell, a veteran of 59 Tests.
Beer, 26, only made his first-class debut for Western Australia two months ago and is now in Australia’s 12-man squad for the third Ashes Test in Perth starting on Thursday.
Bell has scored 500 runs at an average of 125.00 in six first-class games on this tour, including 144 runs at 144.00 in the first two Tests.
But in his previous 13 Ashes Tests his batting average was 25.68, in an indication of the time it can take players to adjust to the top level.
“It’s obviously a little bit surprising. It’s not really anything for us to worry about,” Bell said of Beer’s shock call-up.
“That’s what Australia have got to think about and their changes are up to them.
“He bowled quite well in that game (taking 3-108 and 2-99 for the Warriors against England at the WACA last month).
“It’s nice when you go into a Test match to face someone in a tour game before, so we’ll all have a bit of an idea.”
Bell said he had “learnt a hell of a lot” since 2006-07 when England were thrashed 5-0.
“I’ve been through a fair bit and I’ve learnt from some mistakes,” he said.
“I’ve learnt a lot from (batting coach) Graham Gooch and (head coach) Andy Flower.”
Four years ago the strawberry-blond nerdy type was mocked by Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne as the “Shermanator”, named after a character from the American Pie movies.
This time around, it’s Bell who’s doing the laughing.
“Definitely I’m a tougher and better cricketer than I was four years ago,” he said.
“We’ve just been working hard on our own games and concentrating on us.
“I haven’t really thought about what Australia think about me.”
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