Following the conclusion of the Boxing Day Test and another win for the Australian side the selectors made their first real change to the squad this summer (ignoring the mid-series ‘bowling cover’ inclusions of Bollinger and Coulter-Nile).
With Ryan Harris’ knees a potential worry and Shane Watson clearly not 100% in Melbourne, the selectors have added Tasmanian batsman Alex Doolan to the 13-man squad – at the same time relieving Bollinger of his drink-running duties allowing him return to his Big Bash League side, the Hobart Hurricanes.
Given that the playing eleven has gone unchanged for four Tests, and produced four decisive wins, is there a realistic chance that Doolan plays? And if he plays, is he the only change?
For me, if Doolan makes it into the final XI for Sydney he’ll be (at least) joined by fellow Tasmanian James Faulkner who has spent most of the summer with “12th man” scribbled next to his name.
Their Tasmanian state captain, George Bailey, likely to be the unlucky guy to miss out. He hasn’t set the world on fire through four Tests, with the obvious exception being that one-over demolition of James Anderson at the WACA – so if a batsman has to make way for the sake of overall team ‘balance’, then it will be Bailey.
It all seems to hang on the fitness of Shane Watson and Ryan Harris, so that’s where I’m focussing my attention.
Scenario 1: Watson is fit. Harris is fit
Nothing changes. After a couple of years of mindless player rotation, the cricket romantic in me wants this. To see the same 11 go through a Test summer, potentially claiming a 5-blot whitewash of the Poms in the process, would be glorious.
Scenario 2: Watson is fit. Harris is unfit
Everyone wants Harris fit and ready to roll through the South Africans when that tour kicks off in early February. With that in mind there’s a reasonable chance the selectors play it safe by resting him for Sydney.
Only question is whether they go with Faulkner or Coulter-Nile as the replacement. You’d assume Coults in a bowler-for-bowler swap, but I don’t think its that simple – they’re both bowling all-rounders and either would be an ample replacement.
Scenario 3: Watson is unfit. Harris is fit
Again, with South Africa (and forthcoming limited overs matches against England) in mind, Watson could be rested if he’s not 100%.
I see this scenario playing out two ways, they either throw Bailey up to number three and slot Faulkner in at 7/8, or they debut Doolan at three, play Faulkner at 7/8 and drop Bailey. Either way Faulkner plays as bowling cover for Watto, at the same time easing the load on a hard-working pace-trio.
Scenario 4: Watson is unfit. Harris is unfit
The odds of both being unfit/rested for Sydney are reasonably high given Watto’s tenderness during the fourth Test and ongoing concerns with Harris’ knees.
If neither of them play, the end result will be much the same as the options outlined in scenario three above, just with the addition of Coulter-Nile to replace Harris.
What will happen. I won’t be at all surprised if the playing XI doesn’t change, but at the same time, I won’t be shocked if they make two or three changes – either for fitness reasons or simple resting purposes.
Whatever it is, just don’t call it rotation.
My XI for Sydney, with the series wrapped up, the ODI/T20Is against England just around the corner, and the South African tour in mind, would be:
D. Warner
C. Rogers
A. Doolan
M. Clarke
S. Smith
B. Haddin
J. Faulkner
M. Johnson
N. Coulter-Nile
P. Siddle
N. Lyon
There’s still a possibility you could slide Clarke and Smith up, and slot Doolan in at five but he’s probably more suited at his regular three spot. The trio of Faulkner, Johnson and Coulter-Nile potentially could bat in any combination.
Bring on Sydney, bring on a white-wash.
Dean Robinson
Roar Pro
Aussies unchanged through 5 Tests is a fantastic thing to see. Shouldn't have a big psychological impact for both sides. Also believe that England dropping Root rather than Carberry is the right move, Root has less runs at a slower strike-rate (yes, slower than Carberry) so far this series. Most of Root's issue seem to do with him batting at 3, Bell really should have been at 3 after Trott went home.
jameswm
Guest
It will apparently be this: Cook Root Bell at 3 Pietersen Ballance Stokes Bairstow Broad Borthwick Anderson Rankin Three debutants. Swann, Prior and Trott gone, Pietersen on his way out, Cook and Bell out of form, and Anderson ineffective in Australia.
Luke Smyke
Roar Pro
I, much like you, would love to see an unchanged side and complete a 5-0 whitewash with the same 11 players haven taken the field in every test. An almost unfathomable scenario in Australian cricket over the past 5 years. However, should either be rested i would loved to see Coulter Nile get a crack ahead of Faulkner and give Bailey another test to prove his worth. Yes, his series hasnt been brilliant but he, like the rest of our players who we extend our faith in, should be given a suitable run to demonstrate their value.
jammel
Guest
who do we think England will play for Sydney? I think Root or more probably Carberry might be for the chop, with Balance coming in. Personally, though, I'd get rid of Bresnan and play Finn, go with something like the following: Cook Carberry Bell Pietersen Root Stokes Bairstow Broad Borthwick Anderson Finn
jammel
Guest
Hopefully the original XI is all fit. Really hope Harris is fine for SAF too. I'll be fine with the XI for Sydney, as long as Coulter-Nile doesn't play….
Sydney Kiwi
Guest
Faulkner in for Watson- Bailey up the order - Coulter-Niles to replace Harris. Agree its weird Doolan is in the reserves and in that case you may see Bailey get the chop although I feel he needs to be given more time.
Tony Loedi
Roar Guru
I don't get Lehmann's comments regarding Watson's selection. Boof said he will only play as an all-rounder, but then the Doolan selection makes no sense as Doolan isn't an all-rounder.
Dean Robinson
Roar Pro
Agreed, I too would take a batting-only Watson (provided it doesn't make his existing injury niggles worse) over Doolan. No doubt Doolan is good but his Shield form this season hasn't been spectacular - 16 others (including three of his Tasmanian team mates) have scored more runs thus far, several of which probably should be ahead of Doolan in the pecking order purely on form alone. If Watson plays but can't bowl then it should earn Faulkner a spot as the fifth bowler.
Barry
Guest
Well the same X plus Bailey.
kombiutedriver
Guest
It will be the same XI. I am more interested in the team England picks for Sydney. That will be a real pointer to how much disarray there is in the English camp.
Mits
Guest
I'd love to see Faulkner get a game although I believe they'll go unchanged. He was impressive with both bat and ball in his debut and looks to have plenty of aggression in his game. With no national commitments over the winter, I hope he gets some County experience into him and really cement his place as an all rounder in the test set up. Even if Watson can't bowl, I'd take him any day over Doolan. Watto's coming off two solid batting performances and we don't gain anything by dropping him for Doolan if he can't bowl.