With the first Test against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates just around the corner, I’m going to run you through who should be in the team for the opening match.
Chris Rogers
After an incredible 12 months this guy picks himself at the top of the Australian order. Although he has been known to struggle against spin, he has earned his chance through the sheer amount of runs that he has put on the board at both Test and county level.
David Warner
If fit, Warner is the obvious choice to pair with Rogers at the top of the batting order. His ability to change a game in just one session means that he is one of the biggest x-factors in international cricket.
If he is unable to take his place due to injury, Phillip Hughes would be his replacement.
Alex Doolan
Finding a solid number three batsman has been the biggest problem for the Australian Test team since Ricky Ponting’s retirement. But things look as if they may be changing with Alex Doolan coming into the team. A ton in the tour match means he is in form at the right time.
Michael Clarke
There is not much left to say about the Australian skipper. A creative and passionate leader, Clarke has flourished since being handed the Test captaincy. The one question around him though is his ailing body, but he looks as if he is over the hamstring complaint that kept him out of action.
Steve Smith
Like most of his teammates, Smith has stepped up in the last 12 months to secure his spot in the Test team. Touted as a future Test captain, Smith piled on the runs to be the saviour in the recent one day series.
Mitch Marsh
With Shane Watson injured, the all-rounder spot is open for the taking. After a great showing in the tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, Marsh looks destined to make his Test debut.
A powerful hitter, Marsh adds strength to the middle order, while his bowling could come in handy for his captain on the flat decks they are expected to encounter.
Brad Haddin
This guy’s revival has been one of the best. Just when it looked like his career was over, Haddin came back with a vengeance, playing a critical role in the 5-0 Ashes whitewash. His experience will also be crucial for the team as they could have some tough times in the hot weather.
Mitchell Johnson
The man with the moustache is probably the most influential player in world cricket right now. The incredible fear factor that his bowling brings to opposition batsmen is reminiscent of the Thommo and Lillee era.
Even though there won’t be a lot of pace in the pitches, his ability to create wickets with a bouncer will be a big plus for his captain.
Peter Siddle
The workhorse of the Australian cricket team needs to be picked in the first game against Pakistan. With the heart of a lion, Siddle will put in all day long at his maximum level, making him a captain’s dream. His creativity with the ball will also come in handy on the placid decks they will be confronted with.
Stephen O’Keefe
This pick might surprise a few people, but the time is right for him to be given a go at the highest level. A strong summer put him in the selectors thoughts and land a spot in the touring squad.
The variation of having a left-arm spinner is something that Pakistan has struggled against in recent years. His batting ability will also come in handy.
Nathan Lyon
Australia’s best spinner in the longer format of the game is our most experienced as well, which means he is guaranteed a spot in the first Test. Having spent time with spin-bowling legend Muttiah Muralitharan, expect Lyon’s bag of tricks to have expanded.
With Pakistan missing their best spinner, Saeed Ajmal, expect the Australians to be well and truly in the contest on the low and slow pitches.
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
The T20 machine continues to churn away as we approach the start of the T20 World Cup just days after the conclusion of the…
Report from Trinidad and Tobago "Most of Australia hate me." Nearly five years ago, having taken his maiden Test five-wicket haul in the fifth…
Whether it's as a newly appointed Cricket Australia Multicultural Ambassador or as the official new face of Amazon Prime's Australian coverage of the 2024…
Queens Park, Port-of-Spain: Three consecutive maidens from Josh Hazlewood and a rapid half-century from David Warner have steered Australia to a commanding seven-wicket victory…
Former Australia Test batter Joe Burns is attempting to help Italy qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup as a tribute to his late…
