Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh are the key inclusions in Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
Both players are uncapped in the Test arena, and were named in a 15-man squad for the Tests which also includes injured all-rounder Shane Watson, short form stalwart Glenn Maxwell and incumbent number three Alex Doolan. Phillip Hughes has also been named, and is slated to contend with Doolan for the crucial number three spot in the order.
Rod Marsh was cagey on whether O’Keefe and Lyon were both set for a start in the first Test, but hinted the selectors were looking at that option from the outset.
“We have picked Steve O’Keefe as the extra spinner for the Test tour. We are unsure what pitch conditions we will encounter in the UAE but we need to be prepared to play two spinners. Steve was the highest wicket-taker in the Bupa Sheffield Shield last season and we are confident he can perform at the next level.
He gave fewer clues on the future of Marsh, who could come into the side if Shane Watson isn’t fit to bowl.
“Mitch Marsh is a player of immense talent and is a bright prospect for the future of Australian cricket. His form with Australia A has been fantastic and he carried that through to the recent Zimbabwe tour. If he gets his opportunity, we know he will make the most of it.”
Against Hughes is the fact that they are playing against possibly the finest off spinner in the game at the moment Saeed Ajmal, but the New South Welshman turned Redback has showed a willingness to adapt and fight against quality spin. Whether it will be enough to wrest the spot from Doolan, however, remains in doubt.
Hughes will travel to the UAE earlier than his teammates to work on his batting against spin with coaching consultant Muthiah Muralidaran.
“Phil has been in excellent form and has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad,” said head selector Rod Marsh.
“His attitude to his game has been first rate and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”
The inclusion of Marsh has prompted discussion of whether Australia will play two all-rounders, Marsh and Watson, and two spinners, Lyon and O’Keefe. With Shane Watson’s injury problems, Marsh remains in strong contention due to his improved batting and strong bowling.
George Bailey has stepped down as Australian T20 captain and been replaced by gun batsman Aaron Finch, currently the number one-ranked batsman in world cricket.
Selectors named just three fast-bowlers – Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle – in the Test squad.
Captain Michael Clarke and all-rounder Shane Watson have both been named for the Test and ODI squads and will be aiming to prove their fitness, having been ruled out of the recent ODI tour of Zimbabwe.
Australia are set to play two Tests, three ODIs and a sole Twenty20 match against Pakistan in the UAE in October and early November.
Test squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Alex Doolan, Phillip Hughes, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve O’Keefe, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
ODI squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Sean Abbott, George Bailey, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Haddin, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
T20 squad: Aaron Finch (capt), Sean Abbott, Cameron Boyce, Pat Cummins, James Faulkner, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Or should I say a statement attributed to Rod Marsh
Rellum
Roar Guru
To quote Rod Marsh "Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh revealed this week that Victorian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell was picked in the Test squad because of his ability to play the tricky off-spinner, not because his performances were worthy of selection." Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/pakistan-spinner-saeed-ajmal-suspended-for-throwing-20140909-10eiu4.html#ixzz3Cp0ZOtun
shiv
Guest
meanwhile there is a massive news for aus saeed ajmal banned
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Yeah I wouldn't mind that team James, but the fact that Doolan was sent to India to work against spin, and also simply the fact that he has been selected in the squad, makes me think he'll play.
VivGilchrist
Guest
Finch? Serious? We might as well pick Marsh! .....oh wait...
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Nice to see abott in the squad.....Finally o'keefe!
Nudge
Guest
A big reason he got picked Rellum is that he has a first class average of 41, and that ain't bad for a 26 year old starting off. In fact it's 3 to 5 runs better off than the other blokes they have tried of late. Bailey Doolan S. Marsh Quiney off the top of my head
Rellum
Roar Guru
Yes, he fell just shy of the million mark ;).
Rellum
Roar Guru
I'll give you a controversial one, Marcus North. But he went and retired at the end of the season because he new he wasn't going to get picked. If you are going to base selection on FC form then several other fringe batsmen had better seasons. I think we all know his T20 form and place in the One Day team are what got him on the plane. Those late scores wouldn't have hurt but I think he would have been on the plane without them. Just as Bailey got the Test place last summer based on his great one day form.
Shouts Chen
Guest
Is Alex Doolan a new test wicketkeeper?
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Rellum, are you suggesting that Maxwell hasn't actually scored a million runs in FC cricket in the second half of last season?
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
The comment above this was deleted. Some person was using my name. Never mind.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Hahaha what the hell.. That's pretty sad. Guess it must be pretty quiet over in Macksville. Thanks mate.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
He's trying many different forms. I just modded him before for "Tom from Perthh". He's an actual troll I think, like the properly sad ones who try to sabotage forums to show their friends. Pity we don't care that much.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
He was the best bowler in the Shield last season, for a start?
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Can you please change your name.
Quitwhinging
Guest
name 1 batsmen that screams "selection" there isn't one and you seem to forget that Maxwell scored those runs at a vital time for Victoria and also hit 80 odd against Ajmal in a County match
Nudge
Guest
That would be my team Jamesb
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
What does everyone think of 1.Rogers 2. Warner 3. Doolan 4.Watson 5.Clarke 6.Smith? Arguably it's better to get Watto in as soon as possible, coming in against a harder ball and have the two best players of spin after. I get that they want him to bat at 6 so he can bowl more, but I don't subscribe to that rubbish logic at all.
BrumbyJack
Guest
Agree Rellum. Cant believe the selectors have gone with Maxwell! Does anyone know if Doolan can play spin well? I believe Clarke and Smith are out two best batsmen against spin, and they are going to need to be right on top of their games to score enough runs to beat the Pakis. I did read that Hughes is on his way to get some specialist batting with Spin King Murali before the series begins. Good forward thinking from the selectors, however i still wouldnt have him in the test team. Anyone know what dates the tests start?