Mitchell Marsh is set to be named on Monday in Australia’s Test squad for the series against Pakistan in October.
Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh will announce Twenty20, one-day and Test squads for the tour of the UAE, with booming allrounder Marsh likely to feature in all three formats.
Injured captain Michael Clarke will be named, but Australia faces an anxious wait to see if he can overcome a troublesome left hamstring tear in time to make the tour.
Australia are down on bowling options for the two Test matches with James Pattinson and Ryan Harris in the casualty ward.
NSW left-armer Doug Bollinger is reportedly in contention for a surprise recall on the slower pitches of the UAE and coach Darren Lehmann says selectors are also considering a second spinner to join Nathan Lyon and make the most of the turning conditions.
But all eyes will be on Marsh if he’s named in the Test squad.
The West Australian has been on the radar for years, but has taken his game to another level in recent times, delivering emphatically with the bat in the one-day tri-series in Zimbabwe.
Marsh has shown his versatility by posting big scores at No.3 and No.6 in the order, and Lehmann admits he’s been looking for a powerful back-up to injury-prone incumbent Test allrounder Shane Watson and wants to give the 22-year-old more cricket.
Lehmann gave a cryptic response when asked about Marsh’s five-day claims.
“If the selectors sit down and think he warrants a spot then he’ll get a spot,” said Lehmann, who is himself a selector.
“At the end of the day he’s been very impressive here and that’s great for us. He’s a young guy who has got a very big future.
“We’ve got to make sure we get him as much game time as we can.
“It’s been a good learning curve for him, he played a couple of really good games so we’re pleased for that because if Shane Watson is injured we need and always like to have an allrounder in our side. That’s important.”
Watson missed the Zimbabwe tri-series with an ankle injury, as did David Warner who is waiting on the birth of his first child – but both will be on deck in the UAE.
Lehmann is keeping his fingers crossed on Clarke.
“We’ll just wait and see what happens there,” said Lehmann.
“That’s a big thing for us so we’ve got to make sure he’s right to play.”
NSW’s Stephen O’Keefe, who topped the wicket-taking list for the Sheffield Shield last season, and Queensland’s Cameron Boyce could be in contention to be included as the extra spin option for the Tests.
Possible Test squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Doolan, Phil Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Nathan Lyon, Steve O’Keefe
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
I would have gone for Smith too. The problem is that Smith isn't an entrenched T20I player, and it would cause him to spend more time on T20 than his test/ODI batting/bowling.
shiv
Guest
personally i still think smith was a better option he has leadership qualities and 10000 times better then finch but i think it is good move 1st smith will be a good leader in test after world cup and then in all the 3 formets i just love his leadership
Jo M
Guest
Marsh, Maxwell and Steve O'Keefe all in test squad.
Jo M
Guest
Finch is captain for T20. Steve O'Keefe and Marsh in test squad.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Fair point above BHT, he did have a good series with Aus A. I think he will only play if Watson (or maybe Clarke) is unfit. The comparison to Smith is a good one. I just hope he can keep up his all-rounder status if he does get fit. I agree that going on a test tour will be a good experience for him, even if just running the drink bottles. Hopefully it doesn't interrupt the shield season. Looking forward to this shield season. So many good players to look at.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Thanks Bush! I think he's the ideal captain, and this is the best way to get him experienced at international level, as you say. I'm a bit worried that they'll promote Finch instead though. Smith had a pretty poor triseries unfortunately, so that doesn't really help him. I think there's definitely a permanent ODI spot for him though. I'd like to think he's a genuine number 3 too. His leggies need to be better utilised also, I think. Whether he can lock in a spot before Clarke retires is difficult to determine.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Good to see you took my advice and joined us mate! Gotta be Smith - get some experience of captaining AUS before he takes on the big role. The question is, will there be a permanent spot in the ODI team for him before Clarke retires?
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Yep, it'd be good experience for Smith Shiv, you're right. I'd give it to Smith or White over Finch or Warner. The problem is that Finch and Warner are the only entrenched players in the team.
shiv
Guest
it will be good for smith to start leadership for aus because he will lead aus for next 10 years in 3 formets and also he is currently leading nsw don't think finch will be a good skipper he and warner are well players but not leader!
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Yep same. It's one thing that will keep first class/test cricket going.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
I love it when I hear players say stuff like that being a test cricket fan.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Apparently Aaron Finch is the favourite. Could work, provided he never bowls himself.
shiv
Guest
steve smith ? he is young and need some experience best option to lead aus already he has won big bash 1st title, shield . white is old now smith is ready for captaincy
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
I had a better look at what he said. I'm surprised that he said "It's the format I find the most challenging and the format that I get the most enjoyment from – it's where my real passion lies." Perhaps there's hope for him at first class level yet.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Same thing happened to Lehmann so I would hope the coach would have some sympathy for guys in that situation.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
It's more that Bailey wants to actually PLAY some first class cricket as well as getting into the test team. He never gets the chance to with his short format work for Aus.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Interesting.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
By the way, Bailey has stepped down as T20 Captain to focus on his first class batting so he can get back into the test team. Interesting. I respect his decision, but I'll be surprised if he starts to reap runs in first class. I guess Cameron White or Steve Smith is T20 Captain now.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Same thing happened with Tim Paine, barely played an entire summer due to hanging aorund the test squad. I really can't see how it helps players unless it's out of season. They shoudl be released on the day of play if not in the starting 11 to go to the Shield games.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
I have the same concerns JGK.