I’m sure there will be a lot of articles and comments today on The Roar about the Australian Test squad for the tour of India.
Whenever there is a 17 man touring party, there is bound to be a name or two selected that people weren’t expecting, and that sparks conversation and debate.
For me, there were four real surprises.
I’m completely shocked that Steve Smith was selected. With Nathan Lyon, Xavier Doherty and Glenn Maxwell all in the squad as spin options, I can only presume that Smith was primarily chosen as the extra batsman.
To give an indication of how surprised I am that he’s on the plane to India, I didn’t even list odds for him when I wrote up my market for Mike Hussey’s replacement.
It seems I’ll have to resurrect the ‘Starlight’ nickname I gave him a few seasons ago. . .
I personally wouldn’t have chosen Maxwell or Doherty, as I don’t believe either are up to Test standard, nor will they create much fear in the Indian changeroom. While both have been around the Australian set-up of late – which should have given an indication they were in the frame – I still think both should consider themselves lucky.
Lastly, while I’m somewhat of a Moises Henriques fan, and his Sheffield Shield figures are actually very good this year, I was stunned he’ll also be in the touring party. It seems consistency over a number of first class seasons was not part of the selection criteria.
All four should buy some Lotto tickets.
Looking at the squad, there can be no question that the Australian selectors’ love affair with all-rounders continues. Even though it’s been nothing but unrequited of late.
As I’ve stated before, a true all-rounder should be able to take his place in the Test XI as either a top six batsman or a top four bowler. Yet none of Watson, Maxwell, Henriques or Smith could really make either of those claims at present.
Which begs the question, are the selectors trying to put a Test team together with bits and pieces players? That’s a very dangerous selection policy, but it certainly seems that way.
However, now that the squad has been selected and my objections noted, as an Australian cricket fan, it’s time to look at the positives.
Unsurprisingly, any optimism starts with the skipper.
Michael Clarke is one of the best players of spin in the world, and I’m looking forward to watching him use his exquisite footwork to the Indian spinners. It’s too obvious a statement to say that the team will rely heavily upon his run making, but it’s also too obvious not to mention it.
With the loss of experience of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, even more pressure will fall on Clarke in the middle order, and that’s somewhat of an issue, considering how much of a burden he’s already been under.
However, Clarke has been relishing the captaincy, which has only taken his batting to new heights, and will be looking forward to returning to the country he made his Test debut in.
Rotation talk aside, the fast bowling unit looks strong.
Lion-hearted Peter Siddle will lead the attack, and he’ll be happy to have Dandenong teammate James Pattison alongside him, after returning from injury. Jackson Bird gets a chance to continue his impressive start to a Test career, while the Mitchell’s – Johnson and Starc – provide some left-handed x-factor.
It’s a very good fast bowling outfit. The only unfortunate aspect is that Indian wickets are not always conducive to fast bowling, which may render any impressiveness as redundant. Jackson Bird, with his line and length, may hold the key to Australia maximising the one strength it clearly has over India.
It’s hard to get too excited over the top six, as it’s still unclear exactly what it will look like. However, I’m very happy to see Usman Khawaja get another chance at this level. It’s all been said before, so there is no need to go into too much detail again, but I firmly believe he can be a very good Test batsman.
Elsewhere, Dave Warner remains one of the most exciting players in the world, and it will be interesting to keep an eye on him and any banter with Ishant Sharma and Virat Kohli. Let’s not forget that both players mentioned to Warner during the India tour of Australia that he’ll struggle on Indian pitches.
Warner is a combative little warrior, and you can be sure he has stored those comments away, and will be keen to casually raise them again at opportune times during the series. And by ‘opportune’, I mean ‘if he’s scoring runs’.
It’s a big tour for every player, but Matthew Wade and Nathan Lyon both enter the series with question marks over them. The sub-continent can be a tough place for keepers and spinners, and there can be no doubt that Wade and Lyon will be under pressure early and often.
It will be fascinating to see how they respond, especially Lyon, who will now have Doherty and Maxwell breathing down his neck.
I’m really looking forward to the series, and while the pitches themselves may not be the perfect lead-up to an Ashes series in England, the intensity, confrontation and pressure that a tour of India provides, actually will be.
stevedeanski
Roar Pro
Well we could go on forever... yes I know it was an injury but I do believe it was inexplicable to not give someone his spot back where he was a proven performer... and Cowan hasn't taken his opportunity so now is the right time to put him back (if current form is what we're going by). Watson is a match winner too - and if you believe someone who's hit 185* in a one day match (along with 8 other international centuries) lacks mental toughness then you are a very tough judge - but you are entitled to be. In my opinon Sean Marsh lacks mental toughness, watson not at all. However I take your point and will agree to disagree. Cricket always brings up these sorts of discussions which I guess iis why we love to talk about it.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
To be fair, the selectors didn't 'inexplicably' move him, he got injured (again!) and then had to make his way back into the side somewhere else when Warner and Cowan were given an opportunity and were judged by the selectors to have taken it. And yes, you're quite right, he has plenty of 90's, which suggests a lack of mental toughness - not a great quality to have if you want to be a top 6 Test batsman! It's true that Mark Waugh averaged just 42, but he was also a match winner. So far, Watson has proven to be a match winner with the ball rather than the bat. In any case, I could easily make an arguement that he is a top 6 batsman and have before. But on current form, I don't think he is, and that's the point I was making.
Steve
Guest
After finally finding his place in the team as an opener, Watson was averaging over 50 over 14 tests once he fought his way back into the side in 2009... then, inexplicably the selectors moved him. He's an outstanding player of pace - coming in when the spinners are on just doesn't suit him. Once he's set however, spinners look out! If you're worried about centuries I believe he's been dismissed numerous times in the 90s and i do recall an 89... If you're worried about averages, Mark Waugh was only 40 or so, do you consider him a top 6? Interesting discussion - can't help but be a Watson fan - and cricket is subjective! cheers
nmj1654
Roar Rookie
I think it's time to finally recognise 'dart bowling' as an art of it's own alongside pace and spin.
nmj1654
Roar Rookie
I agree on all points with the exception of Maxwell. His ability with the bat is unquestionable, and if you are pointing at his international scores, he has come in usually with either the top order having left him too much to do in too little time, or with the expectation of continuing the momentum of boundary hitting and ridiculous shots such as that infernal 'ramp'. His bowling doesn't do much for me, but if he decides to work hard and develop it in India even if he only bowls in the nets or in warm up matches, he'll be a handy addition to Clarke's arsenal. As long as he doesn't follow the path of Australia's most overpaid overhyped no-show Steve Smith. Totally agree otherwise though, especially on Zampa. Seriously promising.
Normyzee
Guest
Relax with your paranoia guys!!! The first test team will contain 7 batsmen inc. Cowan, Watson, Khawaja & Wade and 4 bowlers. Maxwell, Smith and Henriques are going as development players. Only injury or incredibly bad form from the incumbents may see 1 of them getting a game. While its true they don't deserve their spots in the starting side there is no harm for their future development and Australian cricket in taking them on a tour. Another thing, most of you should stop your obsession with stats. They don't always tell the full story. You may as well just eliminate selectors and choose teams via cricinfo. I wonder how many Shield matches many of you have been to like the NSP members have?? How many net and training sessions?? You people should read an article Glenn Mitchell wrote some weeks back http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/12/13/australian-public-must-lay-off-test-selectors/
Rob Barrow
Guest
Cowan is a good thinker and writer but he shouldn't be our opener, watto should open
Jason
Guest
The Smith article seems to confirm what I said yesterday in comparing the Rotation Policy with the Carbon Tax. That is, that there is a whole stack of admittedly educated guesswork to possibly protect the future at the guaranteed expense of those in the present. On that basis, it comes down to a matter of philosophy and complaints against it by those of us in the present are utterly fair and justified. The biggest case in point this year was resting Siddle at the WACA. I genuinely couldn't have given a flying if Siddle had an elevated chance of breaking down after that match and been unavailable for the Sri Lankan series, so long as he had played in what was the most important Test match for an Australian side for a few years.
lolly
Guest
I think Butterworth is disregarded due to his lack of pace. It's what did Copeland in as well. Not much other excuse. O'Keefe because he looks kind of ordinary. I mean when you watch him bowl he looks like he isn't doing much. I'm not saying Doherty does either, but O'Keefe really does look ordinary and that is always held against bowlers far more than batsmen. I never expect him to get picked. He's got stiffed so often, I see no reason why this lot will give him a shot in test cricket.
lolly
Guest
I read that article on cricinfo. It was good to hear someone talking about /player management/rotation with an air of at least wanting to reach some sort of understanding rather than just having a series of potshots based on anecdotal evidence and rants about what previous players did or didn't do. I also agree with him about the 'debate' in Aus being a pile of... transference from the real issues about the quality of players in the Aus system.
Why
Guest
Why the hell does shane Watson get to go to India when he can't even make 50 for NSw injury prone and over the hill I was looking forward to the test announcement to see if the selectors had come to there senses and get a squad ready for to big tours clearly not part of me wants to walk away from watching cricket at the elite level but now I will watch just to prove how wrong they where cheers to the players that are performing and missed out tab here I come India and England to win
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Too true Matt. My issue is that Doherty hasn't even shown that impressive a form in the short game!
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Hey Steve, The argument about Watson being a top 6 batsman is an interesting one. On this very site, I have argued before that he mostly certainly is one. Yet an average below 40 and a meagre 2 centuries in 38 Tests suggests the complete opposite. It's a worthwhile debate. But put it this way - if there needs to be a debate over whether you are a top 6 batsman or not, it probably suggests your not.
matt h
Guest
One big issue for the selectors has been CA’s decision to play no domestic first class cricket during the majority of the summer. So, if you are not in the test team there has only been the BBL in which to judge a player’s form. So, we criticise for picking, for example, Doherty based only on short game form, but there has been no opportunity until last weekend for Doherty or anyone else to show and long game form. A serious problem for the selectors.
matt h
Guest
Have you got a man crush Red Kev? You've been so subtle I'm sure no one has noticed :-)
Steve
Guest
I completely agree with everything in this article, it's a great piece. An exception is that I do believe Watson can claim to be a top 6 batsman in my opinon. Actually, he should open the batting in place of Cowan who I believe cannot make the top 6 claim...
mick the clown
Guest
But he needs to come in at 3rd drop. - he cant handle being high up in the order when the ball is hard.
Disco
Roar Guru
A splendid word.
Brett McKay
Expert
no time before the IPL..
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
That is a real shock. Can't believe the BCCI wouldn't want some ODIs.