The cascade of injuries within the Australian pace bowling ranks again leaves the door ajar for Bulls quick Ben Cutting.
Injuries of his own have cruelled Cutting’s Test cricket hopes in the past.
Cutting enjoyed a dominant 09/10 Shield season, returning with 46 victims at an average of 24. He was rewarded the following year, being named in the Australian squad for the opening Test against New Zealand.
But the selectors opted for Mitchell Starc, and a long-term injury put Cutting on the back burner.
Perhaps the summer will finally provide a change of fortune for the 26 year old.
Starc, Ryan Harris, James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Jackson Bird are all in doubt for the Ashes opener at the Gabba.
Peter Siddle will be wrapped in cotton wool and spearhead the attack. Mitchell Johnson’s name is also being circulated again, and he will also need a strong Sheffield Shield showing to prove his worth.
Cutting is no Ryan Harris, but his height and speed will surprise the English top order.
Cutting has also proven himself as one of the most damaging hitters on the domestic scene.
He treated Nathan Lyon with distain en route to belting 109 from 78 balls against South Australia at the Gabba last year.
The frailty of Australia’s top order of late has shown the increasing value of quick runs from the lower order.
Cutting’s dress rehearsal could occur just a week from the opening Test. The Bulls will play NSW at the Gabba – a perfect opportunity to prove his baggy green credentials.
There is no bowler in domestic cricket more deserving of an Ashes debut than Ben Cutting.
If he can perform, and stay on the park, for the opening rounds of the Sheffield Shield season then he will certainly be in the mix for the Gabba on November 21.
Linedropout
Roar Pro
He's pointing out that an ability with the bat adds to the fact he shouldn't be overlooked.
Linedropout
Roar Pro
Coulter-Nile
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Sense about the future of Australian cricket. You bring a tear to my eye...
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
That is Smith. Don't know why my comment is here...
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
He had the third highest average behind Rogers and Clarke in the series for Australia. No, that is what I base Smith a being a potential for good batsmen. However, not at 5th - leave him where he was at 6th.
jammel
Guest
I don't see Cutting as being in the mix, what with Bird and Faulkner and Sayers already on the fringes, Johnson perhaps returning and then the likes of Cummins to be available if fit. Hilfenhaus isn't even spoken of at all these days...which is probably a good thing. I'd like to see Harris and Siddle and Pattinson as the first chosen, if all available. then Bird and then in order Starc Johnson Faulkner. Cummins would be in the mix if fit. So I think that makes Sayers/Copeland/Cutting around 9-11th choice?
Freddy from Bondi
Guest
Matt...Trent Copeland has a better record. If we are using first class statisitics as the only assessment, surely you think he should be in the team ahead of Cutting then??
Freddy from Bondi
Guest
At absolute full fitness...I think our attack should be: Cummins, Pattinson, Harris, Lyon. With Starc to come in when Harris breaks down. With what is available at the moment, I think Harris, Siddle, Johnson, Lyon. However, at full strength I dont thik Siddle should be anywhere near the squad! And again...I dont care about trivial sh*t like rankings! If someone is not performing well enough but some cr@p ranking system has them no.1 in the world...they should still be dropped if there are better options available. Its a simple concept Matt....pick blokes on form not reputation...
smithha
Roar Pro
Johnson also deserves a look in. Left arm option, and has been bowling 90+ M/PH in the ODIs...
Black Serenade
Guest
oh no james, my problem is with the whole side, clarke included. brilliant batsman, but disgusting and selfish leader. plus we have no talent in the side or on the horizon. my glass aint half full, my glass has a hole in it. ive said it all before, so check it out: http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/08/08/10-reasons-why-the-australian-test-cricket-teams-outlook-is-bleak/
Black Serenade
Guest
whats this love of siddle. his stats are pathetic and he doesnt penetrate. i could less about his heart. one good spell every two tests does not warrant selection. still rubbish in my books
Black Serenade
Guest
matth, hes no good. but i hope he gets a gig now so you can wipe the egg off your face
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
that Indiian team was terrible. cant look much into those results
Felix
Guest
BS is espousing BS, and AMNAC I think he's more of a 'why bother with a glass in the first place, it's all crap anyway' sort of bloke!
matt h
Guest
So who should be picked then Freddy? PS you do know that Siddle is ranked the 5th bowler in the world at the moment?
matt h
Guest
Oh my Lord! Do you even know what stress fractures are? Ask Dennis Lillee and then tell him to toughen up. Then after you get back up, come and talk to us. Do you have any valid thought out reason as to why Cutting should not be on the selection table?
matt h
Guest
You don't have any arguments. You make statements without anything to back them up. "Because I said so" doesn't cut it. Look at Cutting's record, look at who else is available and build an argument ... or you can just continue to troll I guess.
matt h
Guest
He has been more than just average over the last 4 years. Who would you suggest instead if Pattinson, Starc and Cummins are out?
matt h
Guest
That's what we love, nothing but criticism and negativity and no constructive suggestions. Go hard son!
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
He was selected in the ODIs when he is a long form specialist and the best first change bowler in the country. With all the talent out I would think about opening with Harris and Siddle, Cutting first change. But again he has to be healthy as does Harris