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He’s named a team with two Test debutants so Michael Clarke knows getting off to a good start in the opening match against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday is vital.
Clarke on Tuesday revealed Trent Copeland and Nathan Lyon would both be receiving Baggy Greens before the first Test of a three-match series which could lift Australia to No.4 in the world if they can emerge victorious from the island nation.
NSW medium pacer Copeland’s call-up was not a great surprise after the right-armer outbowled Peter Siddle with six wickets, including a first innings 5-47, in the drawn tour match in Colombo last weekend.
But Lyon, who has played just five first-class matches, was more of a surprise and will have a massive role to play in his first Test on a dry Galle wicket which should offer plenty of assistance to the spin bowlers.
The 23-year-old right-arm offspinner will become the 11th spin bowler used by Australia since Shane Warne’s retirement in 2007, pipping left-armer Michael Beer for the role in Galle.
Another NSW player, left-handed batsman Usman Khawaja, has been named in the vacant No.6 berth for the match ahead of West Australian Shaun Marsh.
Khawaja’s sole Test was the final Ashes match at the SCG in January and with so much inexperience in his line-up Clarke concedes getting the match off to a good start will go a long way.
“First Test match of a series is always crucial,” Clarke told reporters.
“Our first hour, what we do first out there, is crucial for us.
“If it’s with the ball, we’ve got to start well, we’ve got to hit our areas, we’ve got to be disciplined and we’ve got to hang on to our chances.
“If it’s with our batting, hopefully we can get off to a good start with our opening partnership and make a big score.
“I think the start generally sets the tone for the whole match.”
The match gets underway at 10am local time (1430 AEST).
Australia: Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (capt), Michael Hussey, Usman Khawaja, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Trent Copeland, Nathan Lyon (12th man: Michael Beer).
Sri Lanka: Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Prasanna Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews, Suraj Randiv, Suranga Lakmal, Channaka Welagedara, Rangara Herath.
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