Australian paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile will be aiming to land an early psychological blow against England when he lines up in the two-day tour match at the WACA Ground starting on Saturday.
Coulter-Nile will captain a baby-faced WA XI side against England, who are using the contest as one of three warm-up matches leading into the first Test later this month.
England will field 13 players in the match, with only Steven Finn (jarred left knee), Moeen Ali (side strain), and back-up wicketkeeper Ben Foakes to miss out from the touring 16-man squad.
The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed Finn and Moeen will also miss the second warm-up match in Adelaide next week after scans on their injuries.
The scan indicated Finn’s injury is not as bad as was first feared and key all-rounder Moeen will be back in full training before the opening Test in Brisbane on November 23.
Coulter-Nile starred for WA with both bat and ball in last week’s Sheffield Shield win over Tasmania.
But given his history of shoulder, back, and hamstring issues, he was rested from this week’s Shield clash with NSW.
Instead, he has been given the chance to prove his wares against England in a match that is only two days long.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are all ahead of Coulter-Nile in the pecking order, and he will need one of those pacemen to get injured or be rested if he is to earn a call-up.
Tasmanian paceman Jackson Bird is vying with Coulter-Nile to be the preferred back-up.
WA XI coach Stewart Walters is expecting big things from Coulter-Nile against England.
“Coults knows where he stands in the pecking order, with the fast bowlers around Australia,” Walters said.
“He’ll be out there giving it everything he’s got. This is why he’s playing this game.
“I’m hoping he goes out and is aggressive.
“That’s his personality and character, and there’s a lot on the line for him.”
WA’s team features only two players with Shield experience – Coulter-Nile, and Will Bosisto.
But England captain Joe Root says his team can’t afford to be complacent.
“Whenever you play any opposition in Australia, you’re never expecting an easy ride. It’s going to be very competitive,” Root said.
“They’ll want to prove a point. They want to prove themselves against international opponents.”
England
Joe Root (capt), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes.
Cricket Australia XI
Nathan Coulter-Nile (capt), Will Bosisto, Jake Carder, Tim David, Kyle Gardiner, Aaron Hardie, Clint Hinchliffe, Nick Hobson, Calum How, Lance Morris, Josh Philippe, Mark Turner.
Don Freo
Guest
George, Read that thread. Where is Maddinson in that discussion?
George
Guest
A cricketer who plays for NSW - a team you mentioned in your comment. How'd your boys go yesterday? Mitch Marsh excelling as per usual eh?
Don Freo
Guest
Calum How, by the way is one very neat wicket keeper and another leading batsman in grade cricket.
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
Coulter-Nile had 17 runs taken from his first 10 overs.The English won't be able to keep four top-shelf bowlers out. And in the course of a day to make 350 against a team of youngsters,9 of whom bowled, doesn't mean a lot.CA have given them nothing
nick
Guest
Nice
Don Freo
Guest
Instead of bowling at NSW's shaky line up, he fired 4 consecutive lightning short balls at Gary Ballance. Garry lost his balance and his composure. He got it back when the kids came back on to bowl. Pat Cummins will have taken note.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
I am not sure about this headline. If NCN was really picked for this game to be unleashed against the English batsmen, he would have bowled more than four of the first 22 overs, especially after his early dismissal of Cook. Perhaps this selection and conservative approach was to protect NCN from being over-bowled or was it to protect Maddinson, Patterson and Hughes? I am sure there are some who believe the latter.
Don Freo
Guest
Maddinson? Huh?
George
Guest
Even Wade's seamers would sort out Maddinson.
Mike Dugg
Guest
He shouldn't be wrapped in cotton wool. Cartwright just needs a decent score in this match and 6 is his
Don Freo
Guest
Coulter-Nile's second ball of the game, got rid of Cook. Imagine the trouble NSW would be in if NCN played there. Interesting for Cartwright, his first over dismissed a really well set Steve Smith. #6 might be all wrapped up now.
John
Guest
Coulter Nile being rested for the shield game is bizarre he only bowled 15 overs in the first shield match.