A number of fringe players may rue missing a chance to impress in Australia’s 4-1 Twenty20 series loss to the West Indies when the World Cup squad is named.
With Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson all missing the tour for different reasons, several others had opportunities in St Lucia.
However, none of them really enhanced their prospects, with the batsmen in particular failing to impress in the 4-1 series loss.
Ashton Turner averaged 15, Alex Carey seven and Josh Philippe and Ben McDermott four each.
All of them had at least two innings but none hit more than 24 in a knock.
All of them have T20I career batting averages between 11 and 14.
“There’s some guys in there with not a huge amount of International experience, so when you are trying to stamp your authority on a game while you are until finding your feet in international cricket, it can be tough at times,” captain Aaron Finch said.
“I’m not too critical of them to be honest.
“There’s a bit more experience in the top of the order and we probably didn’t give them the best platform enough.”
Australia lost at least one wicket in the first five overs of every game and veterans Finch and Matthew Wade, who averaged 25 and 17 respectively, opened for the first four matches, but their biggest stand was 41.
Some bowlers also missed a chance to shine.
Paceman Riley Meredith was very expensive, ending the series with an economy rate of 13.40 from the 7.5 overs bowled across two matches.
Leg spinner Mitchell Swepson gave up 41 runs from three overs in his sole appearance and Jason Behrendorff leaked 46 from three overs in his second game of the series.
The outstanding Mitch Marsh topped Australia’s batting and bowling averages and aggregates with 219 runs at 43.80 and eight wickets at 11 and a team-best economy rate of 6.76.
West Indies leg spinner Hayden Walsh Jr was named player of the series after taking 12 wickets.
Paceman AJ Tye, who took 3-37 in his one appearance in the final game, was adamant the domestic Big Bash League adequately prepared players for the step up to the international stage.
“You look at the performances we’ve had out of Big Bash, players have deserved their (international) spots,” Tye said.
“Some of the young guys need a bit of time to get used to international cricket and find their feet and get the confidence they have in the Big Bash.”
The two teams play a three-game one-day international series in Barbados starting on Wednesday (AEST).
Finch twisted a knee fielding in the final T20 game and will be monitored ahead of the ODI opener.
matth
Roar Guru
Prior to the BBL, when the T20 comp was still state based, I think Nathan Lyon came to attention with a big season in that competition. Given that was a decade ago ...
Tom
The best guys are playing county/psl instead. Marnus, Khawaja, Inglis, even Travis Head is better than this lot
Tom
My memory may be wrong but I think Jhye killed it in the shield for half a season before the BBL. Went on that SA tour as a net bowler because of how good he looked in the shield
Jeff
Roar Rookie
AAP just looking to stay relevant by providing content?
Two Slips and a Gully
Roar Rookie
In fairness this series wasn’t about seeing what 2nd string players would stand up. When we booked the series we expected to have our full compliment of players available. This was a WC tune up. Smith being injured, Cummins staying home with his partner and the host of players returning to the IPL forced CA to change the squad on the fly.
Two Slips and a Gully
Roar Rookie
Jhye Richardson maybe…but not many. Most of the players that have excelled in the BBL were already international stars or when they have been given opportunities in the national team look out of their depth
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
As a fact finding mission for an XI when it matters, the World Cup, I'd say mission accomplished. After the call for incumbents - or first choice options - to be replaced by successful domestic performers, then this was a success, surely? Marsh and Christian showed there needs to be room in the squad for them and if the selectors are serious that means Marsh at 3 as he did all that was asked of him. Wade opens and keeps. Warner and Maxwell showed franchise loyalty was paramount so at mid thirties they fit around Christian and bolster what all 'pros' have said remains a weakness, the middle order.
Marty
Roar Rookie
This series was all about finding out how our second string stack up, and surprise surprise, they were found wanting against one of the better T20 outfits in world cricket on their home decks. Wow, what a shock. Some supporters need to get their collective heads around the fact it’s not 1995 anymore and we can’t just pick a team by throwing darts at 20 odd names and expect them to dominate. In other words we’re just the same as everyone else, and no amount of huffing and puffing is going to change that reality.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
BBL players are glorified club cricketers. Except with fielding.
Tom
Just goes to show that the BBL is a waste of time when it comes to developing international quality players, has the BBL solely produced an international quality player yet? I can't think if a single one.
Shriram
Guest
“Some of the young guys need a bit of time to get used to international cricket and find their feet and get the confidence they have in the Big Bash.” I dont agree with this if you are a given a chance to perform you need to utilize and perform like their england and Indian counterparts
Paul
Roar Guru
I've no idea what this piece was supposed to be about, other than the bleeding obvious - some guys had a few chances to impress but didn't take them.