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Australia’s Test series against New Zealand is fast approaching, though there is still a bit of uncertainty about the team’s XI. Only a couple of players are sure to feature, with a number of contenders vying to play at the Gabba for the first Test.
So who would you pick for the opener? Let’s take a look at the options.
Opening pair
David Warner, despite some late injuries, is certain to retain his spot. His explosive style has kick-started Australia’s innings on many occasions. It will be great to see him back from injury.
Cameron Bancroft will be fighting against Shaun Marsh for the other opening slot. Bancroft accommodates Warner perfectly with his cool and composed style at the crease. He is made for Test cricket and at only 22 has a fantastic career ahead of him. Similar to that of a Chris Rogers.
The contenders: Shaun Marsh and Ed Cowan.
Middle order
As Australia’s Test captain, Steve Smith’s spot is obviously certain. However it remains to be seen if he’ll remain at No.3 following his struggles in England, or move a spot down to No.4.
Joe Burns blasted a ton against New Zealand for the Cricket Australia XI, making a fantastic partnership with Usman Khawaja. He has played for Australia before and deserves a second chance.
Khawaja made one hundred against New Zealand in the CA XI match. He played for Australia at a very young age, but has now matured into a much more responsible and collected player. The captain of the CA XI – and probably the next captain of Australia.
The contenders: Adam Voges, Glenn Maxwell, Callum Ferguson.
All-rounder
Mitchell Marsh was dropped for the Trent Bridge Test but is the most recent all-rounder to play for Australia and is seen as the successor to Shane Watson’s crown. I would love to see Faulkner there but he is more suited to a one day or Twenty20 format.
The contenders: Shane Watson and James Faulkner.
Wicketkeeper
After Brad Haddin’s withdrawal from the Lord’s Test, Peter Nevill played so well that he made a case the selectors found too difficult to resist. Almost to a point where you would be trusting him over Haddin both with bat and gloves in hand. Nevill has all but sealed the Test spot for the foreseeable future.
The contenders: Sam Whitman and Matthew Wade.
Pace attack
Although he had a quiet Ashes, Mitchell Johnson remains Australia’s leading pace bowler. The left-armer bowls thunderbolts.
Mitchell Starc, the up-and-coming left-arm quick has a lovely action and his yorkers can’t really be described – that’s how good they are. The leading wicket taker for Australia in the Ashes with 18 at an average of 27.27.
Based on form only, you don’t see anyone but Josh Hazlewood taking out this position. He is the most consistent of the Australia bowlers, bowling the same line and length all game. He is fighting for his spot against Peter Siddle and James Pattison.
The contenders: Peter Siddle, Pat Cummings, James Pattison, Gurinder Sandhu, Nathan Coulter-Nile.
Spinner
Nathan Lyon is the number one spinner in the country, hands down. He had to raise his stocks in the Ashes, and he did. He took 12 wickets on pitches that weren’t necessarily conducive to spin.
The contender: Ashton Agar
My Test XI
David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith (c), Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.
Who’s in your team to face New Zealand, Roarers?
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