Sheffield Shield: Changes to the attack with bowlers on the move

Crowd involvement or not, Australian domestic cricket will feature a raft of new-look bowling attacks for the 2020-21 season.

It is a great relief that all state borders are likely to be opened by spring time, but attempting to predict the future in this climate would be foolish.

The whispers of shortened competitions were becoming quite ominous, but they look unlikely.

A restructure in the layout of the fixture still looms, but many will argue this brings nothing other than benefit. The uphill fight to retain sufficient interest and significance continues for domestic cricket in Australia, particularly for these two competitions.

New South Wales fans – who know all about strong bowling depth – will see Chris Tremain return home, having made his debut in Blues colours some eight years ago, before collecting 209 wickets as a Victorian. A top-shelf Shield bowler, Tremain could still find himself outside the XI when the rare availability of the national bowling attack beckons.

The departure of Steve O’Keefe alters things further for the Blues, after a fresh contract was turned down in a well-documented affair. O’Keefe is another prolific Shield bowler with over 200 wickets and probably more to offer, yet his exit aligns with the arrival of Adam Zampa from the Redbacks who too returns to his home state.

It is incredible to think an already strong bowling unit has just become stronger. He has struggled to forge a credible Shield record with the Redbacks, despite the obvious strides made with the white ball.

The Sydney Cricket Ground should increase the likelihood of more suitable surfaces and multiple spinners in the XI, as the popular leg-spinner eyes Test cricket.

Zampa is not the only slow bowler on the move from South Australia, with bowling all-rounder Tom Andrews on his way to Tasmania. With only ten First-Class matches since 2015, Andrews’ decision screams of opportunity.

With a particular liking of left-arm spinners in recent years, one would expect Andrews to take the mantle of primary spinner with his new side.

This pair of departures is a monumental gain for Lloyd Pope and his leg-breaks, who will also benefit from a clearer pathway as first-choice spinner.

Possibly the most publicised move though sees Peter Siddle headed to Tasmania, presumably the result of a more attractive offer.

‘How could Sidds ever leave home?’ many might ask. When a fast bowler is to be 36 by Christmas and a recently retired international, each year on a contract becomes vital.

Siddle joins an already impressive fast-bowling camp, where the prospect of himself, Jackson Bird and the younger, incredibly talented likes of Riley Meredith and Gabe Bell exploiting Hobart conditions should frighten batting orders nationwide.

The setbacks for 31 year-old Cameron Gannon must have felt endless through the journey. From his body to his bowling action, the constant questions cannot have been productive. Fortunately, the former Queensland pacer now en route to the Warriors, can focus on asking questions of his own – with ball in hand.

Perhaps forgotten in some ways, Gannon’s impressive full return last season claimed more wickets than any other bowler with 38 at an average of just 20. Many may recall this tally included Steve Smith for nought less than 12 months ago.

As with their supply of all-rounders, the pace stocks out West are notably strong. Squeezed out were Simon Mackin and Nathan Coulter-Nile. The former had his services secured by Melbourne University Premier Club and the latter is out of the Warriors’ Shield plans but with an apparent lifeline for the One-Day Cup.

A future in Shield cricket for Coulter-Nile, who found himself on the edge of Test selection in the past, may become clearer in the coming weeks. There are further movements to Melbourne as Jack Prestwidge brings his short-form talents to the Renegades for the tenth instalment of the BBL.

Despite the wave of changes where squads are concerned, domestic cricket looks to remain largely unchanged even when a likely pandemic-affected new season proceeds.