Next month’s gruelling four-test campaign in India is not just a chance for the Australians to re-write an ugly recent history in India and the subcontinent.
It is also, for a number of players, an audition for a home Ashes series that is only ten months away.
Of course, this audition process arguably commenced at the start of this home summer in November against South Africa.
Since then a line has been put through Adam Voges’ name with the selectors’ thickest red pen – and confirmed with his subsequent Test retirement. While question marks have been raised over Peter Nevill, Mitchell Marsh, Joe Burns and you could argue Nathan Lyon is no longer perhaps the certain starter he once was.
Though he has been included in the squad for India, Shaun Marsh has been put on the backburner since injury, and how much Test cricket he will play post-India tour is a large unknown.
The limited match time for South Australian pair Callum Ferguson and Joe Mennie is almost an admission from the selectors that they got it wrong. While neither are out of the frame completely, you’re probably not going to see them back in national colours again in the short-term.
And for the 32-year-old veteran of one Test in Ferguson, perhaps never again.
Australia will only play a maximum of two Tests between the series in India and the home Ashes beginning in November. The re-scheduled tour of Bangladesh looms as likely in the middle of the year as a result of the abandoned tour in late 2015, but official dates are yet to be confirmed.
It’s quite interesting how most Test series seemed to be played with one eye on the series following it.
While all the attention will be on a huge series in India where a frightening hoodoo hovers over the Australian side, there will no doubt be some forward-thinking from the selectors as to the make-up of the Ashes squad.
Right now I look at the Australian Test camp and can really only see four certain starters in that group, and there’s probably no prizes for guessing correctly either.
Those four are Australia’s two best batsmen, David Warner and Steve Smith, and its two best quicks, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
25-year-old Peter Handscomb has made a sparkling start to his Test career, notching two fifties and two centuries from just four matches. His brilliant form combined with his rare ability to play spin, leaves him well placed to contribute heavily in India, and it would be very surprising not to see him in that Ashes squad.
Likewise for opener Matt Renshaw, whose more than solid entry into Test cricket means he only needs more strong performances in India to hold his place.
No doubt all batsmen in this squad will be determined to not put a foot wrong, as more first-class runs from those in waiting, such as Kurtis Patterson or Travis Head, could add to the pressure of selection.
The wicket-keeping position could be retained by Matthew Wade, who seems fairly safe at present. However, more failures with the bat will see the heat placed on his spot.
Peter Nevill is still every chance for a recall, while there are the impressive youngsters in Sam Whiteman and Alex Carey, who could be right in the frame ten months from now.
Lots of questions loom. Will Steve O’Keefe overtake Nathan Lyon as Australia’s most-preferred spinner? Is he nearly there now? Maybe Ashton Agar can let his bat and ball do the talking and justify a long-term place. The India series will reveal plenty about that.
And just what will the fast-bowling situation be?
Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood will continue to lead the attack, but who joins them will be anybody’s guess.
More reliable performances from Jackson Bird with regular wickets will make him difficult to leave out. Yet the selectors and a portion of the Australian cricketing public will be sweating on the status of James Pattinson and Pat Cummins.
Right now it is incredibly difficult to know where the fast bowling stocks will sit come the end of this year, and let’s not forget the swing master Chadd Sayers who continues to present his case with Sheffield Shield performances.
We could see a young quick emerge at first-class level too. Names like Jason Behrendorff, Joel Paris and Chris Tremain have the quality to play Test cricket, so their chance may come.
And then there’s the all-rounders – batting, bowling or perhaps neither.
I’d expect Glenn Maxwell to play in parts of the Indian series, if not the whole thing. Strong performances from the Victorian could see him remain a part of the side, irrespective of the conditions. And I wouldn’t imagine there’d be too many Australians who don’t hope to see this.
Well, maybe apart from Hilton Cartwright.
Mitchell Marsh will likely be in the mix. James Faulkner might continue to take his first-class game to another level and earn himself another shot at Test cricket too.
There are just so many variables.
We are now officially less than a month away from the start of the series in India, and no doubt so many keen fans will be following the numbers very closely. The auditions for Australia’s bid to regain the Ashes at home have well and truly begun.
But predicting a squad right now? It’s almost impossible.
Tana Mir
Roar Rookie
Rob - thank you, that was well explained. Roy playing only 26 tests was one of the tragedies of cricket and fans were poorer for it. I just hope Maxi does not follow the same script. Give Maxi the same number of Tests as offered to M.March and watch him win games for Australia.
Rob
Guest
Exactly, Roy was more than a dangerous batsmen that could turn a game, he was an outstanding fields man and bowler who could bowl a few over often picking up the wickets of top order batsmen. He was selected for his outstanding ODI form. Maxwell is doing the same in a generation where the Australian talent pool is much weaker.
qwetzen
Guest
"Andrew Symonds played 26 Test ahead of Hodge (6), Law (1) and Love (5) who had superior FC. averages based solely on his ODI form" Perhaps Roys' ATG fielding and his ability to bowl respectably in two modes helped his selection? It's also wrong to infer that Roy was preferred over the mighty SG Law as Law had announced his Oz retirement before Roy played his first Test. Roy's first Test was in Galle on 08Mar2004 and 4 days later the 35yo Law began his last Shield game.(1) (1) Four players from SGL's last game (Mar 2004) are still on the Oz scene; Chris Hartley, Cam White, Brad Hodge & David Hussey. Time flies.
Rob
Guest
How do you come to the conclusion he's part of the CA boys club? Maxwell has 3 Test over 2 series and never batted in his best position at 5 or 6. He has never played a home Test. In the 6 Test innings Maxwell has played Warner has only out scored Maxi twice. Maxwell averaged 13 and Warner 19 in those Test. In the 2015 ICC world cup Smith Avg, 67 at SR. 91.5 Tests Played 50 Watson Avg. 41 at SR. 106 Tests Played 59 Warner Avg. 49 at SR. 120 Tests Played 60 Clarke Avg 36.5 at SR. 96 Tests Played 115 Maxwell Avg. 64.8 at SR. 182 Tests Played 3 I have named these players because they have all been named Australia's best cricketers (AB medalist) and they all played in the same games under the pressure of ICC world cup. His test appearances occurred before the 2015 WC. It beggars belief Maxwell has played less Tests compared to J.Burns (13), M. Marsh and S. Marsh (19) Maddison (3). in the last 2 years His first class average is better than all these players during this period. Andrew Symonds played 26 Test ahead of Hodge (6), Law (1) and Love (5) who had superior FC. averages based solely on his ODI form.
Brasstacks
Guest
Funny how Mitch Marsh never has to do anything special but he is always there and thereabouts the team!
Craig Swanson
Guest
Dougie. The big thing Maxie has going for him is he one of the CA boys club. Like Watto and Shaun Marsh. Seems it is harder to get jettisoned when you are part of that exclusive club. So Maxie will likely play the first test. If as you say his game has matured then this is the time to display that maturity in the cauldron of an Indian Test.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Agreed Craig. But he's only been given 3 Test opportunities, unlike some others that keep underwhelming (M.Marsh 19 tests, Wade 16). In Shield cricket, Maxwell has really matured in the past couple of years. In ODI cricket, Maxi is one of the best in the world. He has the talent to transfer that to the test arena and I think he's recently acquired the temperament. He certainly deserves a couple of tests to see if he can perform. But yeah I agree. He needs to take his opportunity. I just hope they give him one.
AREH
Roar Guru
I definitely agree with that re: Maxwell. He HAS to make the most of every chance in India otherwise it'd appear unlikely you'd see him in the test setup much in the future. If there was ever a time, and conditions so perfect for him to succeed and nail down a place, this is it. If he can't produce some impressive showings in the conditions best suited to him, and where he has so much experience, I'm not sure he could do any better elsewhere. Massive crossroads moment for him this, make or break time.
Craig Swanson
Guest
I see you have Maxwell at #6 Dougie. Unless he nails his chance in India we will have seen the last of Maxie in a baggy green imho. He had a poor last India tour. So his neck is well and truly on the chopping block. Last chance saloon Show. I will add Billy Stanlake to my Bangladesh squad. Use this tour as an experiment with some young blokes. Will they rest Josh or Mitch from the tour. Give Cummins a shot? We sure want our only express man primed for the Pommies.
Craig Swanson
Guest
Dougie. That is the point Wade should not be the benchmark. If Handscomb is rated higher then why is Wade taking the gloves in India and not Handscomb? I think he would have the temperament to handle both jobs in a tough environment.. .Then we would have those options open to us with him batting in top six. But CA's stubborness at staying with the incumbent puts that out of the equasion.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Fair call Craig, but if the benchmark for keeping abilities is Wade as the incumbent, then I think Handscomb has got him covered.
Craig Swanson
Guest
I have a problem with Handscomb keeping in tests. ODIs yes. But does he have the required skill and technique to keep at test level? The argument I hear when he is suggested for test keeper is "let him concentrate on his batting". I am for that. I love the idea of having our keeper in the top six as it opens so many options...but Handscomb is unlikely to be the one imho.
Craig Swanson
Guest
Yes from a CA perspective Wade will remain for the time being. He adds "mongrel". Pity he can not catch or score runs. He will need something special in India to keep his spot. Glenn Maxwell is another who needs something special over there.
AREH
Roar Guru
Thanks Dougie..I quite like that team, who knows, Handscomb may feel a lot more comfortable keeping at test level in 10 months time even though right now it's not a good idea. That team also makes the batting look strong, and there's a multitude of bowling options; six guys that can bowl, and four quicks reducing the strain especially if one of Cummins/Pattinson is in that side.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Good article Ryan. You've mentioned every player worth considering. For next year's Ashes I'd like to see Handscomb, Maxwell and Faulkner included as allrounders. 1. Warner 2. Renshaw 3. Khawaja 4. Smith 5. Handscomb (WK) 6. Maxwell or Head 7. Faulkner 8. Starc 9. Cummins or Pattinson (whichever one is healthiest) 10. Lyon 11. Hazlewood 12th man: M. Marsh
AREH
Roar Guru
I agree with you totally on that. However I would think from a CA perspective his place is safe for now, given he has been part of a winning outfit and for whatever reason, whether it's leadership/positive morale behind the stumps, there is something of value that he brings, yet I am as puzzled as you as to what it is. I was not in favour of Nevill being dropped in the first place, and certainly not pleased with Wade's efforts with the bat, especially as he was brought in for his apparently 'superior batting.' Not really sure what the selectors see in him, but clearly there is some aspect they rate. Yep, seeing Whiteman in the test side for that first test would be probably the best outcome IMO.
jameswm
Roar Guru
That'd be a fearsome team. It relies on Handscomb keeping. Actually it doesn't. You could play Head or Maxwell at 6 and the keeper at 7, then the 4 quicks.
Craig Swanson
Guest
Seeing as tho we are choosing possible Ashes squads. Here is mine. Warner, Renshaw, Smith(c), Khawaja, Handscomb, Cartwright, Nevill/Whiteman, Starc, Hazlewood, Swepson, Bird. Res. Cummins, Lyon/Agar, Sayers/Stanlake, Kurtis Patterson. Also a Bangladesh squad: Renshaw, Bancroft, Khawaja, Smith(c), Handscomb, Whiteman, Cartwright, Starc, Hazlewood, Swepson, Agar. Res. Bird/Faulkner, Cummins, Patterson, Head, SOK/Lyon.
Craig Swanson
Guest
Whether a young quick emerges or not he will not usurp Hazlewood or Starc. Perhaps Cummins or Pattinson. I would like to see Jason Behrendorff given a shot when he is declared fit. Keep an eye on South Aussie young gun David Grant. One special talent imho.
Craig Swanson
Guest
How is Wade's position considered safe. He is NOT Australia's premier Test keeper/batsman. An ODI ton does not constitute red ball runs. He is an inferior keeper to Nevill who was dropped for his lack of runs. Wade has scored less.. yet inexplicably he keeps his spot. Blood young Sam Whiteman on the Bangladesh tour to ready him for the Ashes. Whiteman has done his apprenticeship. Is time for the next gen to take the gloves.