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Andrew McDonald says he would be comfortable taking five bowlers into the final Test against South Africa at the SCG in what would be a 10-year first for the Australian cricket team.
But the head coach insists all selection options remain on the table.
The Test at the spin-friendly SCG sparks yearly debate as to whether Australia should reconfigure their traditional bowling set-up to feature two tweakers, rather than only one alongside three pacemen.
The discussion is more pertinent this year given the upcoming tour of India.
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After second Test injuries to Mitch Starc and Cameron Green opened up spots in the squad, McDonald has called spin-bowling allrounder Ashton Agar in for the Sydney fixture.
Ashton Agar of Australia celebrates the wicket of Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“Game time at Test level is always beneficial, and if it does have connection to a tour in the future then no doubt it makes sense,” McDonald said.
McDonald would not guarantee a fifth Test cap for Agar, while adding it was not essential to downsize the pace attack if he were to include the left-hander in the side.
Alex Carey belted his maiden Test century batting at seven in the second Test and McDonald said the performance had given him confidence the wicketkeeper could jump up the order to make way for five bowlers if required.
If McDonald does take that option it would mark the first time Australia has played five specialist bowlers in a home Test since 2013, when four quicks and one spinner were fielded against Sri Lanka at the SCG.
“There are so many options depending on what the surface offers in terms of the balance of the attack,” McDonald said.
“It could be two spinners, two quicks. We could play a slightly more aggressive team with Alex Carey going to six, and play five bowlers.
“Or we could play probably what we’d call a normal structure for Australia where it’s three quicks and one spinner and some part-time spin options to help out.”
Agar had been training and playing with the Big Bash League’s Perth Scorchers when he was called up and flew to Sydney on Sunday morning.
He just missed out on joining the Australian and South African squads at Kirribilli House for a reception hosted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Agar said he was not banking on being called up to play but was pleased to be back in the selection frame.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
“I’m pretty relaxed,” he said. “I’m happy, grateful for the opportunity and excited to go to Sydney and join up with a really good bunch of blokes. I’m just open and waiting to see what happens.”
Playing five bowlers could also open up a spot for bolter Lance Morris, who was called up to the squad ahead of the second West Indies Test but has yet to earn his first baggy green.
With captain Pat Cummins a lock for selection, one of Scott Boland or Josh Hazlewood would have to make way for the blistering Morris in a five-bowler scenario but he would be a natural choice if selectors are hunting a like-for-like replacement for Starc.
“All scenarios are on the table,” McDonald said. “If we feel as though we need some air-speed then Lance is the obvious one. The conditions will determine that.”
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