Jason Behrendorff’s blossoming ODI form could vault him into Ashes contention.
Australia may well pick six quicks in their expected 17-man Ashes squad, which means there’d be room for a trio of fast bowlers to back up the so-called Big Three of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
James Pattinson, Jackson Bird, Chris Tremain and Michael Neser and are in the Australia A four-day squad, which plays its first match against Sussex four days from now.
Jhye Richardson and Peter Siddle are not in the squad for different reasons but surely are a strong chance of making the Ashes squad if fit.
The former was hugely impressive in his two Tests against Sri Lanka last summer, taking six wickets at 20. The 22-year-old operated with a rare mix of swing and extreme accuracy, a combination which makes him an attractive proposition in the UK, where those skills are paramount.
Richardson was also a revelation in ODIs, taking 17 wickets at 21 this year and excelling against the mighty Indian batting line-up, even on their own turf.
Then he dislocated his shoulder against Pakistan in the UAE and was ruled out of this World Cup, which opened the door for Behrendorff.
Richardson is reportedly close to being able to bowl at full pace now and is a chance to play in the Australia v Australia A four-day match starting on July 23.
Jhye Richardson (AAP Image/Darren England)
Siddle, meanwhile, would be a lock in this Ashes squad if I was a selector. No Australian bowler has anywhere near as much experience in the conditions as the Victorian seamer, who has taken 163 wickets 26 in first-class cricket in the UK.
The 34-year-old is only getting better in England, too, having snared 57 wickets at 18 over the past two County Championship seasons. Perhaps more than any other Australian bowler, he is built for playing in the Old Dart.
Siddle’s ability to land the ball on a ten-cent piece and get just enough movement through the air and off the pitch makes him a weapon on moist pitches. He would be in my starting XI if Australia encounter a green, seaming pitch.
When Australia play on drier, flatter surfaces – there were two such pitches in the last Ashes – then I’d sub Siddle out for a more dynamic quick. With their extra bounce and pace, Pattinson and Tremain would be two such impact bowlers to consider. Pattinson’s generous experience and success in the UK should have him ahead of Tremain if he’s fit.
Meanwhile, Richardson, Neser, Bird and Behrendorff could be competing for the swing bowler role.
First-class cricket has always been Behrendorff’s best format. With 126 wickets at 23 he owns a sensational first-class record. Not only does he swing the new ball consistently but he’s one of the best reverse-swing bowlers in the Aussie domestic scene.
The 29-year-old would have played Test cricket several years ago if not for his fragile body, which has seen him miss a ton of cricket. Right now his body is holding together and he’s finding form. Only a few months after making his international 50-over debut, he is a good chance of playing in a World Cup final.
After struggling in his first few ODIs, Behrendorff now appears at home. He has taken 12 wickets at 18 from his last five matches with his late swing proving a huge asset with the new ball.
Watching him trouble batsmen with this movement makes me ponder how effective he could be with a Dukes ball, which swings far more than the white Kookaburra.
I imagine the Australian selectors have had similar thoughts, with performances in ODIs often having swayed their Test selections in recent years.
If Behrendorff maintains his form and helps Australia to a World Cup triumph, don’t be surprised to see him included in the Ashes squad.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Agree on most points except Behrendorff means seven pacemen and only one spinner which doesn’t work. Behrendorff doesn’t deserve selection ahead of Tremain or Siddle or others, as he’s had no first class cricket since November 2017. You make very good points about Burns, however there is no way Labuschagne should or will be selected ahead of Harris, or indeed a number of others. Don’t care what Labuschagne has done in County cricket, no batsman averaging under 35 in Sheffield Shield should be near the Test top 6. Agree with you that Wade deserves a place on the basis of his Shield form, but suspect they will go with Carey with an eye to the future. No doubt Carey has the character and skills to lift a notch to compete at Test level, even though he only averages under 30 in the Shield.
Peter Warrington
Guest
heart broken by rejection I suspect 43 in FC yet strike at 2 million % in T20 grand total of 4 ODIs. washed up at 29...
Peter Warrington
Guest
fingers... he was looking awesome : (
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Better than I thought but last FC game March 2017.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Unfortunately, that is possible, but it's also quite possible that he will come back to 100% and be as good as ever. I think he will probably be fine. Certainly hope so. But yes, there is always that possibility.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
I think with the quality and depth of options available, I'd leave Siddle out. He's too old and had his chance. Invest in the younger equally good options. Siddle has played tests in England previously and only been just ok.
Peter Warrington
Guest
never miss a ball. what would be an example? 2009 i remember as dry decks except for Headingley. where we smashed them. robbed by slow batting and weather in the first. in 2013 England didn't make 400 once. we kept them to gettable scores in every test. our batting fell over in a few key moments, and some umpiring didn't help. and the weather cost us. again in 2015. England made 430 in the first dig of the series, and then not again. we threw the Ashes away with poor squad and team selection e.g. multiple nickers from WA, a captain with a dodgy back and poor eyes, a too humble Watto and keepers with no runs. only one England batsman averaged over 37. we had 3 over 45. it was collapses not poor bowling. anyway that's just my take on it - another batsmen's conspiracy!
Simoc
Guest
I wouldn't. I reckon he is way over rated, injury prone and only good for 4 quick overs when he's in a bad mood. Playing in the weak Pura Cup against poor batsmen is no guide to the Ashes.
AREH
Roar Guru
It's great news about Burns returning to the UK following his troubles. Still think they will go with Harris based on how he finished the Shield season, plus the fact Burns appears the most easily dispensable test player of this era arguably. An incumbent opener with 180 in his last test, yet I'm not sure they'll go with him...again
Paul
Roar Guru
That's great news Ronan. Burns deserves the chance to be considered after the way he finished our last summer.
Ace
Roar Rookie
I like your selections because it is pretty much on current form bar Burns and Richardson whom I would have regardless. Labuschagne is on fire in the county scene even if people say its second division. He is going in early so he is getting the new ball and 4 half centuries and 4 centries plus a 90 not out is terrific. Lie to see more of Patterson when the A team starts county matches But the signs are that it is pretty healthy and its been great wisdom having the A team over there
FunBus
Roar Rookie
There have been very few ‘green seaming pitches’ in the Ashes in England even going back as far as 2005. What there has been is conditions where the ball has swung.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Great idea, Behrendorff and Pattinson in with Starc, Cummins & Hazelwood is an embarrassment of riches should an injury change the lineup. Love to see what Behrendorff does with a dukes.
Tom
Guest
Hmm I’m going to have to disagree. Don’t think he is anywhere near making the test squad at this point.
Paul
Roar Guru
Agreed about Behrendorff's recent ODI form, James, but could he go 20 overs in each of 2 innings then back that up 3 days later in the next Test? If he has to use the old red ball, what does he bring to the table? I've never seen him in action in long form cricket but his injury history suggests he'd struggle with the workload I've described. Sure he'll be considered but there are other options.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Actually if you've watched the last few Ashes in England time and again Australia's quicks have been found waning on green seaming pitches, unable to exploit these conditions anywhere near as well as the English bowlers.
Peter warrington
Guest
if Burns gets into some form, he and Harris would both make it I guess, ahead of Labuschagne. Bangers is the one they will want back there is no way wade will get in over Carey.
Peter Warrington
Guest
Lynn averages 43 in FC
Peter Warrington
Guest
surely most of the top 20- quicks in Australia are fantastic on a green seaming pitch? using that logic, you would bring Watto back. best heavy condition bowler we had in a generation IMHO
Peter Warrington
Guest
sadly, if he is anything like thommo or if medicine has not advanced enough, he may never be the same again : (