Ahead of the Test series against India, talk surrounds the makeup of the batting unit, particularly after Australia’s recent collapses.
What is not in question is the bowling unit, which is world class.
Mich Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are probably one of the best attacks in the world today.
However, one thing conveniently ignored is who is in line next after these four?
Imagine a situation wherein one or more is unavailable – what happens then? Remember, Cummins is coming back from an injury layoff and has only played a handful of games. Starc was also injured towards the backend of the series in UAE.
If one or more of them suffer an injury, who comes in? How would we love to have a fit James Pattinson available for selection.
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Among the options are a group who are tried, tested and not-so-successful like Peter Siddle. Then there is also the matter of Joe Mennie and Dan Worrall.
The one person who comes immediately to mind is Chris Tremain, who should be next in if a spot opens up.
The promising Western Australia pair of Jhye Richardson and Matt Kelly are also potential bolters, as is Tassie’s quiet achiever Gabe Bell.
Lastly, what odds of a Test cap this summer for the man who sits just outside the top five on the Shield bowling charts at the moment – the massively talented Cameron Green?
Baggy_Green
Roar Pro
Exactly my point as well .. we lose an attacking and quality option in that case. Then it would seem that we would need to change strategies and have someone like Agar just block up an end - not expecting wickets. Another way could be to play 4 quicks if there is no able replacement
Paul
Roar Guru
Who get's the nod if Lyon is injured? Is Agar a lock to take his place? I don't see a lot a quality spin options available if Lyon goes down.
Kopa Shamsu
Guest
Tremain Sayers SOK Zampa J Richardson K Richardson NCN Sayers and Bird should probably migrate to england to get international games. What do you think of Simon Mackin, David Moody?
JamesH
Roar Guru
Nurture and groom away, but not by throwing them into the test squad at a time like this. Of that group, only Jhye Richardson should be considered, and that's based more on his limited overs experience than his first class record. He should still be well behind Tremain and Bird.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Sayers is out until February/March.
Baggy_Green
Roar Pro
Personally think that Stanlake , Richardson , Gabe Bell , Maty Kelly and Brendan Doggett are the future and should be nurtured and groomed
Baggy_Green
Roar Pro
Had mentioned Bird and Sayers along with Siddle in the article .. those 2 names got chopped off by the higher powera here at the Roar lol
Maxwell Charlesworth
Roar Rookie
Sayers not getting a mention is beyond me
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Tremain should be next in line, followed by the likes of Bird, Mennie and Jhye Richardson, depending on pitch conditions.
Matt H
Roar Guru
You could do worse than just bring in the VIC pace attack at the moment. Tremain and Boland in particular have been excellent and Pattinson is coming back nicely so far.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Nah too soon for Patto. He needs another few games. If we get enough of a road and our top order are scoring I'd still like to see 7. Patto 8,. Cummins 9. Starc 10. Lyon 11. Hazlewood The next in order should be: Tremain Bird Sayers But I do worry about the last two being cannon fodder on flat decks, even though they are proven FC performers. Bird really hasn't looked the part the last few tests he's played, seems to place the ball there, too often serving it up on a platter. Jye Richardson and Patto to come in if they continue to do well.
DeltaTango
Guest
"Mich Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon are probably one of the best attacks in the world today." - Not probably, they are certainly one of the best attacks, and probably the best. Patto if fit will come in, if not Tremain.
Rob JM
Guest
Don’t forget Bird!