Nathan Lyon remains in the mix for Twenty20 World Cup selection.
However, Australia coach Darren Lehmann says it will be “tough” for Lyon to break in to the XI alongside Glenn Maxwell.
Lyon was named man of the match in Australia’s 177-run win over West Indies in the second Test.
He also grabbed a haul of 5-23 for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League prior to linking up with the Test squad in Melbourne.
The offspinner is in the form of his life and has made no secret of his desire to play all three formats for Australia.
“We’re always open to that idea. There’s nothing wrong with that,” Lehmann told ABC Radio.
“If we do that, then he’ll have to start playing it soon to get him back into the rhythm of one-day and T20 cricket.”
India will host the T20 World Cup early next year, meaning there is every chance Australia will include two spinners in their XI for most games.
Cameron Boyce, Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar, Steve O’Keefe and Brad Hogg are some of the leading contenders to make Australia’s 15-man squad alongside Maxwell.
“Maxwell did a pretty good job for us in the (ODI) World Cup, when we won that quite comfortably,” Lehmann said.
“That’s a tough one for Nathan to break into.
“Looking forward, when you’re going to places like Dubai, and the T20 (World Cup) in the subcontinent, there’s a real big case for him there.”
Sixers assistant coach Darren Berry handed Lyon a gig in the state-based Big Bash five years ago, putting him on a path to the Test side.
Berry recently suggested that Lyon and Maxwell were incomparable.
“No disrespect to Glenn Maxwell, he’s an exciting cricketer, but he’s not in the same class as Nathan when it comes to offspin,” Berry told AAP.
“You pick your best bowlers.
“He’s the best offspinner in the world. His opportunity has got to come.”
Australia’s T20 captain Aaron Finch recently noted all options were on the table when it came to the squad he would lead.
“The way Nath has bowled in Twenty20 cricket has been unbelievable. He’s been someone who consistently takes wickets,” Finch said.
Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh suggested during the Ashes he didn’t want to risk Lyon’s impressive Test form by him potentially “copping a hiding every now and then in one-day cricket”.
Chinmusick
Roar Rookie
That comment by Rod Marsh at the end is one of the dumber things I've ever seen quoted. If he actually believes that then he needs to get off the hooch pronto. The guy's invincible at the moment. He is our best off spinner EVER! A professional cricketer mind you, who never bats an eyelid or conveys frustration even when the conditions are completely against him. Yet you're worried about denting his confidence when blokes are going the tonk at him trying to score quick runs? Please, he'd be licking his lips even the night before. Time to buy a caravan Geoff.