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Though the Australian summer threw up plenty of questions, there is one issue over which there is no room to move for the upcoming tour of India – we need our best bowlers on deck.
We have so many options. So much depth. But, for example, do we select Nathan Lyon?
Batting-wise, will Shane Watson have had enough match practice to be included for India?
There are so many possibilities and questions to be answered over the coming weeks. Regardless, here’s my chosen line-up:
1. David Warner
Warner has made good start to his Test career scoring 1068 runs at 44.50, with a strike rate of 75.15 including three hundreds and five 50s. If Warner backs himself, he could have a huge series.
The only issue is that Warner has struggled with spin in the past, and if he thinks Australian pitches are tough against spinners, beware of India.
2. Ed Cowan
This is the time when Cowan can show what he’s made of. While he has had a mixed start to his Test career, he has shown glimpses of his best.
I still think opening with Warner and Cowan is useful, as you have the quick scorer in Warner and the one who really digs deep and stays at the crease in Cowan. Setting fields with this combination could be a nightmare.
3. Phil Hughes
It’ll be very interesting to see how Hughes handles the conditions in India. He may struggle. In saying this though, he has improved his technique dramatically and matured as a cricketer.
4. Shane Watson
It seems Shane has given up bowling, which could help him concentrate on getting back to form with the bat. Only two Test centuries is disappointing for a cricketer who has loads of talent, but with his mind firmly on batting he may just add to that list of centuries in the near future.
5. Michael Clarke
Australia’s best batsmen and most experienced player, Clarke’s aggressive captaincy tactics and bowling changes have paid massive dividends.
It’s simple – if Clarke fires and makes the right decisions, Australia will win.
6. Matthew Wade
Most of the country will agree to that his keeping needs vast improvement, but when in-form and on song, his batting is brilliant and entertaining. The conditions will test Wade’s keeping ability, as will his job keeping up to the spinners.
If Wade has a poor series, Australia may look to the experience of Brad Haddin, but I’m confident Wade can show his recent good form in India.
7. Moises Henriques
On his day, Moises is the complete all-rounder. A powerful and clean hitter, handy medium-pace bowler and terrific in the field, he can be the complete package. And the numbers back him up – across the first half of the Sheffield Shield season, Henriques has averaged 78.5 with the bat and 17.69 with the ball. That includes 161* against Tasmania.
Turning 26 next week, it seems he’s finally showing his potential. His recent performance with the ball in the ODI against Sri-Lanka was outstanding. You just feel it’s time for him to get a chance. I really do hope if given one, he takes it with both hands.
8. Mitchell Johnson
While it is hard to see him becoming a complete all-rounder, he is a very capable bowling all-rounder. If he can get his radar, right the Indian batsmen will have to watch their backs.
Mitchell Starc would be very close behind. 50/50 call between them.
9. Peter Siddle
He is the team’s heart and soul. There is no doubt he will ready to fire. If he bowls well, with a hint of movement and swing, he will cause problems.
10. James Pattinson
If fit, Pattinson will take the new ball with Siddle. He is a dangerous fast bowler, and despite only playing seven Tests, 31 wickets at an average of 22 is a phenomenal start to a career.
Fingers crossed he bowls plenty of overs in the Sheffield Shield and is match fit come India.
11. Nathan Lyon
His stats show he is Australia’s best spinner since Warne. 61 wickets at 32 is a decent start, and the spinning wickets in India will help him.
I’d like to see him drop the pace of his deliveries and take his time between balls.
Over to you Roarers. And go the Aussies!
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