Left-arm orthodox spinner Jon Holland should come into calculations for a Test debut, according to Victorian coach David Saker.
Holland was the best of the Bushrangers’ bowlers on day three of the Sheffield Shield final against South Australia on Tuesday, claiming 5-76 in the Redbacks’ second innings and setting Victoria well on course for victory.
And now Saker believes he should come into contention for Australia’s next two tours of the sub-continent on typically spin-friendly wickets.
“He’s shown when the conditions are there and it spins he’s probably as good anyone going around,” said Saker.
“So I hope (when) they do go to the sub-continent that his name will get bandied around.”
Australia tour Sri Lanka for a three-Test series in July and August and head to India for four Tests next March.
Selectors have recently opted for New South Welshman Stephen O’Keefe in Tests where they’ve played two spinners, but he has only taken seven wickets at an average of more than 40 in his two matches.
Holland, whose career has regularly been interrupted by shoulder injuries, has only played five Shield matches in the past two seasons, taking 27 wickets at a handy average of 22.26.
Bowling into the footmarks outside a left-hander’s off-stump in Glenelg, the 28-year-old earned a great deal of spin and bounce, feeding men close around the bat with chance after chance.
It was in that fashion that he had Mark Cosgrove, Travis Head, and Jake Lehmann all caught on Monday evening, as well as Alex Carey on Tuesday morning.
He also delivered the knockout punch of Alex Ross (71) in the same manner on the last ball before lunch on day four, effectively ending the Redbacks last form of second-innings resistance.
Tuesday’s haul came after claiming three top-order scalps in South Australia’s first innings, while he also took six wickets against NSW in Alice Springs last week.
Andy Hill
Roar Pro
Well, you may be right there Ronan, however, with the poor end to the season that Ahmed had this year, Holland may be the first choice spinner for the Vics come the start of the next Shield season. Holland was first choice throughout the Matador Cup and was one of the best bowlers in the competition (14 wickets @ 17.85), so he is certainly not the forgotten man in Victorian cricket. At 28, Holland has many more years left in him than the 34 year old Ahmed and seems to be coming into his prime, if he can avoid any further shoulder injuries. I wouldn't be surprised if we don't see much of Fawad next season and Holland is preferred more often.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
It's a pity Holland has been kept out of the Vic side the last few seasons, largely by Fawad, as he's really come on massively as a spinner. At a young age he was earmarked as a future international player - he was selected for Australia A at just 21 years old. But he's had injuries and other setbacks and only really found his range the past 2 years. In his 8 Shield matches over the past two seasons his record is phenomenal - 40 wickets at 22. He'd arguably be a walk up start in the Shield for SA, WA, QLD or TAS...it might be time for him to leave Victoria.
Julian King
Roar Guru
Mind you Lyon and Warne weren't chosen on the back of consistent performances, whereas Ahmed and McGain were. Holland's only chance of representing is in tandem with Lyon. The question is whether he is a better left-arm orthodox option than Steve O'Keefe. SOK is still the front-runner in my mind.
Peter
Guest
Of course Holland's own coach is going to suggest him, and agree with JGK, anyone takes a few wickets and they're the next best thing. How about some consistent performances to earn selection for a change!
JGK
Roar Guru
Deja vu. Remember the calls to get Fawad into the Test team off the back of his outstanding Shield Final performance (and season) last year.