West Australian batsman Adam Voges is continuing to pile up runs, this time in English county cricket. But it could be his accurate left-arm spin that helps him earn a Test debut in the West Indies next month.
The pitches in the Caribbean will almost certainly be dry and slow, as they were during the recently-completed three-Test series which the West Indies drew 1-1 with England.
England batsman Joe Root underlined just how handy it can be to have a competent part-time spinner in such conditions, regularly troubling the West Indian batsman.
Root may have only taken three wickets in the series, but each was a key breakthrough and he gave up just 2.19 runs an over from his 46 overs, offering skipper Alastair Cook valuable control while the frontline bowlers rested.
On Australia’s last Test tour of the Caribbean in 2012, it was captain Michael Clarke who filled this role for Australia, taking five wickets at 24.
Clarke now rarely bowls, with Steve Smith the go-to part-time spinner for Australia. Clarke has, however, often looked reticent to use Smith except almost as a last resort. This seems to be because, although he is a wicket taker, Smith typically serves up a buffet of boundary balls to go with his occasional rippers.
This is where Voges comes in. The veteran West Australian is very similar in bowling style to Clarke – he is accurate and difficult to get away. Neither player imparts extravagant revolutions on their deliveries but probes away waiting for mistakes. Both Clarke and Voges have reputations as partnership breakers and have been under-utilised during their first-class careers.
Voges has emphasised his value with the ball during the current county cricket season. In his first three county games for Middlesex this season, he snared six wickets at 22. What makes those statistics significantly more impressive is that four of his six wickets were of top-six batsman. Again, just like Clarke, Voges has the ability to dismiss good batsmen.
Given the Australian selectors’ love of multi-skilled players, this could push him closer to making his Test debut in the two-match series against the West Indies next month. Not only will the pitches in that series likely be parched but it’s possible Australia could encounter similarly dry, slow decks in the following Ashes series.
Australia may well play two frontline spinners in one or even both of the Tests in the West Indies, pairing incumbent Nathan Lyon with newcomer Fawad Ahmed. Voges’ bowling returns in the UK will have given the selectors pause for thought though.
If they wish to play three pacemen, then Voges would be a very capable spin partner for Lyon. The fact he spins the ball in the opposite direction to Lyon works in his favour also.
Of course, first and foremost, it is Voges’ batting which will be considered. On that front he could not be doing any more to warrant selection.
Over the past two Sheffield Shield seasons, Voges has blazed a phenomenal 2127 runs at 79. His scorching touch has continued for Middlesex, with 451 runs at 56.
Outside of Steve Smith, David Warner, Chris Rogers and Michael Clarke, Voges is the next best long-form batsman in Australia at present.
The makeup of Australia’s top six for the first Test against the West Indies is very much up in the air. The positions of Smith, Warner, Rogers and Clarke are assured. But Voges, Shane Watson and the brothers Marsh are all competing for two spots in the batting order.
Watson should not even be in the squad. His time has come and gone. The manner in which he has floundered in the heat of the past two Ashes and then inflated his stats when the pressure was off is a serious concern.
Shaun Marsh has been okay during his current stint in the Test team but has a discouraging record of being an all-or-nothing batsman.
At 35 years old, Voges is the same age Rogers was when he was handed an opportunity by the selectors for the last Ashes in England. That selection has reaped major dividends for Australia.
It’s time to take another punt on experience. Voges must play in the West Indies.
CW
Guest
Johnno is pencilled in even though he was well down on form in the world cup. Remember Hazlewood is the incumbent after Starc was in and out of the India series. So if they decide to go with two spinners then they will likely pick two specialist bowlers and two bowling alrounders. Perhaps even a slow bowling option in Voges and one pace alrounder. Interesting times ahead to see which way CA will go.
CW
Guest
"Better bowler than Marsh". Watto used to be a very useful bowler. No more. He played in four tests against India and took five wickets at high forties. Mitch Marsh is not far off being a frontline bowler. Watson will always be a change bowler who can tie up an end. When CA finally see Watto offers no further potency as a bowler, they will also deem his batting as no longer test standard and sack him.
CW
Guest
Voges also picked up handy wickets in last season's Sheffield Shield. To go with his record swag of runs. If it is a turning deck. I can see CA picking both spinners which would probably equate to choosing both all rounders to help the two quicks. On the other hand they may go with one pace all rounder and choose Voges as the slow bowling all round option and pick one spinner..
mattyb
Guest
I'm also fully expecting the selectors to go with Watson and S.Marsh.Not saying I agree either it's just what I'm expecting.Hopefully Watson bats at 6 and not 3 though.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Adam Voges is a funny one. Punter name-checked him after the 2006/7 Ashes as someone to look out for but he's been inconsistent since then. I'm hoping this current run of form holds out for him as he's annoyed the hell out of me for years but he's a lovely batsman to watch live when he's in the flow, makes it all look so easy. Used to chuck it away too easily once set. That's always been one of his biggest issues. With both him and Marcus North in the WA team, you used to want to reach for a baseball bat. So much talent but both of them such inconsistent performers.
13th Man
Guest
No Starc and Johnno together are a must! They will scare the Poms! Harris (if fit) or Hazelwood as 3rd quick. Lyon as spinner with Voges backup My team: Rogers Warner Smith Voges Clarke M Marsh Haddin/Nevill Johnson Starc Harris Lyon/Fawad
13th Man
Guest
Yep I like that top 6 And I agree that Nevill could allow Faulkner to come in. No Watson, No S Marsh, I like it a lot!
The Bush
Roar Guru
Don't get me wrong, it all sounds great. I'm just noting that the Australian selectors are known to do things like this and are far more likely to stick to the devils they know.
Armchair Expert
Guest
Incumbency aside, I think this article is spot on, Voges' bowling should get him over the line, especially if Ahmed doesn't play.
Armchair Expert
Guest
He seems to be every 2nd person's "whipping boy" but Watson will play the next couple of tests, but if he fails or gets injured he'll be out on his ear, probably never to return.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
They are pretty slow pitches in the Windies, Starc will be going some to replicate his white ball form, all though you can depend on the West Indies to hurl their wickets away with both hands...
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
So would I, they'll want him in the team because always do want him in the team if he's fit.
Nudge
Guest
Reckon you've nailed it there prize man. The 3rd seamers spot is the 50/50 one. Johnson and Harris are near certs, but do you go with the out and out strike bowler in Starc, or someone you know is going to keep it tight at one end, and take a couple of poles along the way. Hazlewood could do this role really well, and I certainly wouldn't be ruling out Siddle either. His form in county cricket this year as been nothing short of outstanding. Reckon he has an average of 20 and I'd be surprised if he has an economy rate too much more than 2. Typical figures for Siddle so far this county season has been 25-10-60-3. I'd be surprised if there's been a better bowler in England this county season so far.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Voges deserves selection based on a phenomenal Shield season, the fact he is a prolific scorer in County cricket certainly helps too. His work with the ball will also be handy. My team for first Windies game, Rogers Warner Smith Clarke Voges M Marsh Haddin Johnson Starc Hazlewood Lyon I'd give M Marsh first crack at the alrounder position, we know what Wato can and can't do. He is there as back up for mine. Starc and Hazlewood bowling off for the 3rd quick position when Ryno returns.
deccas
Guest
Yup thats exactly my thoughts on the matter. Watson's bowling is clearly superior and his batting is probably better.
deccas
Guest
I have a theory that Johnson is going to start bowling the 3rd seemer's role and starc will take over as the strike bowler, if starc can replicate his white ball form in the Caribbean.
Soooky
Guest
Is Siddle in the squad? He was the best bowler in the last tour of england
Quitwhinging
Guest
Again those were flat pitches
Joey Johns
Roar Guru
I'd tend to think that the West Indies tour is a bowl-off between Starc & Hazlewood.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Yep I'd go with Hazlewood ahead of Starc at this point too, although with Harris not playing in the Windies I don't see why both of them couldn't play alongside Johnson.