Travis Head could be left out of Australia’s Boxing Day line-up to make way for a fifth specialist bowler against New Zealand in Melbourne.
Australia coach Justin Langer is weighing up a Boxing Day selection surprise as he considers picking five bowlers in a bid to combat expected batsman-friendly conditions at the MCG.
Fiery quick James Pattinson will return as a replacement for the injured Josh Hazlewood in the second Test against New Zealand, with fellow fast bowlers Michael Neser and Peter Siddle waiting in the wings.
Travis Head would likely be the unlucky batsman to miss out if a fifth bowler is named, while in-form opener David Warner has been declared fit to play despite sustaining a thumb injury at training.
Langer is wary of the batting paradises that have greeted teams in recent Test matches in Melbourne and will wait to inspect the pitch on the morning of Boxing Day before deciding his line-up.
“The only reason we’d do it (play five bowlers) is if the wicket looks anything like it has the last few years here on the Boxing Day Test match, because you have to get 20 wickets,” Langer said.
“It would be no surprise to anyone the Australian team doesn’t usually go down that path of having the extra bowler.
“But if we were to play on wickets like we’ve played on the last two years or so here at the MCG, we’ve certainly got to find a way of taking 20 wickets.
“There’s been so much discussion about the wicket here and we’re hopeful that’s not the case.
“But if we were to turn up on Boxing Day and it looked really flat, we’ve certainly got the flexibility to do it.”
Australia used all-rounder Mitch Marsh as a fifth bowling option in Melbourne in both last summer’s loss to India and the pedestrian Ashes draw a year earlier.
However, Aussie quick Pat Cummins wasn’t convinced another specialist bowler was required after three wins in as many Test matches this summer.
“Most of the games here go into day five and I can’t see it being too different this year,” Cummins said.
“I’ve got no idea what the selectors and Painey (captain Tim Paine) are thinking about in terms of the bowlers.
“Whether we’ve only got four or five, I think we’ll get the job done.
“It’s lucky now Marnus (Labuschagne) is bowling really well, Wadey (Matthew Wade) thinks he can bowl and Nathan Lyon can bowl 25 or 30 overs in a day.
“Whatever the team is, I feel like we’ve got all bases covered.”
A flat pitch would suit former vice-captain Warner, who Langer declared a certain starter despite taking a blow to his left thumb during Monday’s nets session.
The robust opener has been in superb touch at home this summer, topped by his unbeaten 325 against Pakistan in Adelaide.
On Tuesday, Warner faced about 45 minutes of throw-downs from batting coach Graeme Hick and spin bowling coach Sridharan Sriram.
But he appeared in some discomfort when he regularly took his left hand off the bat quickly after striking the ball.
Warner did not face a bowler during the nets session.
“It’s not unusual for Davey to do that,” Langer said.
“He’s in really good nick, he’s a very experienced player now and he knows how to prepare.
“As I said, I’ve got absolutely no worries that he’ll be raring to go.”
Micko
Roar Rookie
You got your wish! :silly:
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Dare I say the toss is absolutely crucial. Whoever wins it should not lose the test. Draw maybe, but shouldn’t lose. I hope the kiwis win it because it will set up a fascinating two tests.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Hopefully!
Micko
Roar Rookie
I think they learnt their lesson from a few years ago when Shaun Marsh got picked for the Boxing Day Test based on BBL form!
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Interesting discussion. Only makes sense if you’re protecting them for the following Test. But there’s probably a reason that hardly any team in Test history has gone in with 5 batsmen and 5 bowlers, except perhaps if they are desperate to win the next Test and can’t afford a draw. And even then very rarely.
Paul
Roar Guru
or maybe MM's dad's doing some Marsh whispering.
Nudge
Roar Rookie
I said a week or so ago, and I don’t see any reason to change opinion, that if Langer rocks up tomor and see’s an absolute road, then he will be very confident that one of Smith, Labuschagne or Warner, will score a huge 100. If it’s flat as attack, I’d strongly consider protecting our biggest asset which is our quicks.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Hmm. Not only do you have to take 20 wickets, you have to score runs than the opposition. Paine doesn’t look like a 6 at the moment, nor does Neser. A strongish tail from 8 down might compensate a bit, but it’s a big risk.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Unless that voice says Mitch Marsh is the go for a fifth bowler.
Paul
Roar Guru
Pat Cumins summed it up nicely; "“Whether we’ve only got four or five, I think we’ll get the job done. It’s lucky now Marnus (Labuschagne) is bowling really well, Wadey (Matthew Wade) thinks he can bowl and Nathan Lyon can bowl 25 or 30 overs in a day. Whatever the team is, I feel like we’ve got all bases covered.” In other words, the worlds best bowler reckons the attack with 4 guys can take 20 wickets. Hopefully Langer listens to Cummins rather than the voices in his head.
anon
Roar Pro
The more Langer opens his gob the less confidence I have in him.
The Donald
Guest
I can't remember a Test in Australia where there's been so much conjecture about the wicket before the Match. Despite what the MCG Curator is saying - I think it's likely the strip turn out to be yet another "Road". If that's the case - I agree that would place the future of the MCG Boxing Day Test under somewhat of a cloud.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Ha ha! I joked recently that that was a possibility.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Or that now we have a top 4 in form, on the back of criticism when he brought Siddle into the squad when Pattinson was the obvious choice. This would allow one of his “favourites” to get a run? If it is a flat road like the last few years I don’t actually mind a 5th bowler. But Marnus’ is someone I want to see more of with ball in hand. So I’d prefer to use him more and leave Head in the side who doesn’t deserve to be dropped.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Did his career hit the wall?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
And letting the chatter rattle around in his head.
Jero
Roar Rookie
Mitch will be kicking, as opposed to punching, himself.
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
Mitch Marsh has been in terrific form in big bash. I think he is a real chance to play on Boxing Day.
Simon
Guest
If you are going to go with 5 bowlers, then Neser Pattinson Cummins Starc Lyon is one of the strongest possible bowling quintet batting wise you ever would see
Damo
Guest
So this is either mind games or the deck isn't looking that great 2 days out. I hope if another bowler is needed then they go with Neser.