After Australia’s 2-1 loss to India, changes are needed in both the batting and bowling departments.
Travis Head and Marcus Harris were the two leading run scorers and should play against Sri Lanka.
Shaun Marsh failed yet again, while Peter Handscomb and Marnus Labuschagne were lucky to play in Sydney, where they both had good starts but failed to pass 50. They need to play more Shield cricket before being picked again.
Veteran Usman Khawaja also failed to perform, but should still hold his place. However, if he doesn’t perform against Sri Lanka, he may be squeezed out when Steve Smith and David Warner return.
The three batsmen to come in should be Joe Burns, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis.
Glenn Maxwell has so far been too inconsistent for Test cricket. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
Both Burns and Maxwell have excellent Shield form over the last two seasons and were unfairly left out of the Test squad to play Pakistan.
While Stoinis’ overall first-class record isn’t great, his form this season has been good, averaging 42 with three 50s from seven innings. He’s also taken ten wickets at 25, so his bowling gives the selectors their much-desired pace all-rounder. If Stoinis performs at Test level, it’ll be hard for the selectors to find an excuse to pick Mitch Marsh.
As for the bowlers, Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood have both been out of form and should be dropped, while Pat Cummins should take the new ball.
Given that the first match against Sri Lanka is a day-night Test, it makes sense to pick seam bowlers. Chadd Sayers would be ideal but unfortunately he hasn’t played since November due to injury.
Instead, Michael Neser and Peter Siddle should play, with Jackson Bird and Chris Tremain the backups.
My Australian team to play Sri Lanka:
Joe Burns
Marcus Harris
Usman Khawaja
Travis Head
Glenn Maxwell
Marcus Stoinis
Tim Paine (c, wk)
Michael Neser
Pat Cummins
Peter Siddle
Nathan Lyon
12th man Chris Tremain
13th man Jackson Bird
Leuco
Guest
Agree re Burns and Maxwell. Siddle should never play for Aus again. That chapter has closed and we should be picking a fast bowler ten years younger than him. Either should anyone with the surname of Marsh play for Aus again. Surely that’s enough.
Charlie Mackay
Guest
For me: Harris Renshaw Khawaja Burns Head Stoinis/Paine Paine/Stoinis Cummins Lyon Tremain/Boland (one as 12th man) Hazlewood Spare: don't care. Siddle ought to go to BBL as he is selected for the ODI with a view to WC selection. Those with the least runs put themselves in danger of being 'sandpapered' by Smith and Warner (IF they are duly returned with immediate effect). Bowlers have a chance pre-Ashes. I'm with Warney and reckon Starc needs a rocket with the message sent to all players that form must occur. I'll be spewing if I read the name 'Marsh' anywhere near the team announced tomorrow. I still feel that Renshaw is a capable bet and deserves a chance. Without a concussion in the UAE then he would be (most likely) in the team and opening. His English form was outstanding and, despite a slowish Shield season, is no worse than any other candidate sans Burns who can open. At least we know what Renshaw is capable of if given time. I haven't gone Maxwell. This will be unpopular with some; however, I simply don't believe he has the game, temperament or attitude for test cricket. There seems to be a bit of a 'Brad Hodge-itis' about him. Wade unlucky but I've gone for more 'traditional' bats who have have either equally earned their chance or performed as well in Shield. I don't understand the new fascination with Kurtis Patterson (spl?) . His conversion rate to 100s is absolutely dreadful and surely not what is required for Australia at present. Perhaps another case of 'pick the NSWman who isn't Marsh'.
Andy
Guest
Burns is actually averaging 47.20 this shield season and hughes 46.20 and larkin 49.40. As well as this Burns has a first class average of over 40 with hughes averaging 39 and larkin 29. Burns is the obvious choice.
AJ
Roar Rookie
Thats just factually incorrect. Burns has averaged 47 this season. Maxwell 42 (having only played 2 matches due to international one-day commitments). Larkin and Hughes have both done well, but not quite that well, averaging 49 and 46. Harris has averaged a mighty 71. http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/highest_career_batting_average.html?id=12452;type=tournament
Trent R
Guest
You can't pick Burns or Maxwell. They are both averaging low 30's this shield season and there are much more qualified people for the specific roles. Labuschagne for the spinning all rounder batted well in Sydney and will be on home turf at the GABBA and openers such as Daniel Hughes and Nick Larkin, the 2 New South Welshman who have the top highest averages as opener (57 and 55) behind Harris (84)
AJ
Roar Rookie
Michael Neser could be in contention for the all-rounder spot with his season Shield average of 52 and a 32.46 bowling average. Stoinis' season averages are 42.57 and 25.20 respectively. I wouldn't be disappointed if either were the all rounder, but I don't think Neser will make it as one of our 4 main bowlers. Having said that, I would still go without an all rounder. My team for 1st test v Sri Lanka Harris Burns Khawaja Wade Maxwell Head Paine Cummins Boland Lyon Tremain Smith to come in for the Ashes for one of Maxwell/Wade/Head, and James Pattinson to come in for either Boland/Tremain once he gets more Shield games under his belt. Ashes squad to also include Larkin or Renshaw, Kurtis Patterson, Stoinis or Neser, Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson, Fawad Ahmed. Thats a large squad, but theres too much uncertainty with some players to have a small squad going into the Ashes.
AJ
Roar Rookie
Michael Neser hasn't been great with the ball this Shield season, at an average of 32.46. His batting average this season however is 52. Compare that to Stoinis' bowling average this season of 25.20, and a batting average of 42.57, and one could make a case that Neser could be the all rounder.
Rohan
Guest
Michael Neser? You must be joking...
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
Burns yes, Maxwell no. Wade is miles ahead for the next middle order spot.
Lachie
Guest
We seriously need to consider a swing bowler for the Ashes, Sayers is an obvious choice
Paul
Roar Guru
I had Patterson, Tremain & Bird in for Stoinis, Siddle & Neser. My reason for leaving out Starc &Hazlewood was to rest them. They MUST be considered strong chances for the Ashes tour still