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Following two unprecedented bludgeonings at the hands of a dominant South Africa, an overhaul of the Australian team is expected for the final Test.
Steve Smith appears exhausted, and David Warner, Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood have shouldered a huge workload.
While these four appear to be the only players guaranteed selection for Adelaide, let’s give them a rest and take full advantage of a rare dead rubber.
It’s time for the audition XI.
The rules here are pretty simple. All players selected have never played a Test match, and preference has generally been given to those who have not played any international cricket.
With eleven fresh baggy green caps ready to be distributed, let’s get into my side.
Openers – Matt Renshaw, Travis Dean
This old school pair will be 0/50 at lunch on day one. The best part of that equation? No wickets lost. Let’s wear out the Protea quicks, and then plunder a big total.
Middle order – Peter Handscomb, Kurtis Patterson, Nic Maddinson, Travis Head
There’s a lot to like in this group. Handscomb has been in stellar form and will have the benefit of facing tired bowlers.
Patterson, Maddinson and Head all provide attacking options, with Patterson in particularly strong form this season. Head and Maddinson also offer handy spin bowling options.
Wicketkeeper – Jake Doran
Young Doran has already usurped Dunk and Paine as Tassie’s main gloveman this year, and has a good chance of being Australia’s next long-term ‘keeper. He’s good enough to bat in the top six and now is the time to see what he’s got at international level.
Bowlers – Chadd Sayers, Kane Richardson, Jason Behrendorff, Chris Tremain
Jon Holland would have got the nod if he didn’t make his Test debut in Sri Lanka. With two part-time spinners, an all-pace line-up with variety should keep the South African batsmen on their toes.
Sayers and Richardson get a chance to debut in familiar, swing-friendly conditions, while Behrendorff has been in line for a Test berth for several seasons now. Tremain is a strong performer at Sheffield Shield level, who generates awkward bounce while maintaining tight lines.
What do you think, Roarers? Who would you have in your audition XI?
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