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.”
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Given the chance, the others could actually produce some of the best outputs ever, notwithstanding supposedly being overshadowed based on the work of earlier days - , ala Something and Here Comes The Sun
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Well the placements of tests are not driven by logic rather how to fit around IPL & BBL and other important issues. Brisbane and Sydney should be before Melbourne and Adelaide, Hobart & Perth after. That’d be logical afterall precipitation averages will support that scenario. ——— The lemming-like support given to Sydney and Melbourne belies what the others can do. They are like Lennon and McCartney whereas Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are like Harrison; capable but not adulated.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
I'll try again... Imagine what a NY Test in Adelaide could deliver. Bigger venue capacity. Better per-capita turnout. Better culture re supporting a "cricket event". Guaranteed weather. So why does Syderney get it as a lock? Because it has 5m people? What does that prove or even mean?
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Imagine what a NY Test at Adelaide Oval, with guaranteed decent whether, could be like. Would be an actual proper centerpiece of the summer, as opposed to "just give it to Sydney because they have the biggest population", notwithstanding they have one of the smallest capacity venues and shite weather.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
The whole season is an embarrassment l feel
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Pretty flat day of Test cricket. What to do about Tests in Sydney?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Not on this thread
Jeff
Roar Rookie
Am I being stitched up here?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Theore difficult the spelling the more a car's part will cost.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
I’d agree we are unlikely to win in India . time and time again we see a great Australian summer then problems in India and england tours. Aus need to prepare better for both tours and they are imminent
Pierro
Roar Rookie
I think there's arguments for rotations for our best team . for me I don't care about the world cup it's all about series wins in India and england . the wtc is a bit random and not that respected at this stage and a one of match means little for me . that said great analysis Jeff and we'll thought out
Pierro
Roar Rookie
great post on Sri Lanka numbers Jeff , not compelling numbers for India really and my choice Whitman not even there and he’s the most consistent of the lot for me . decent average last two years In a row in shield unlike the others who have had a good year this year but then you see the Sri Lanka numbers and scratch your head a bit
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Speaking of strangish XIs, against SL, a few years ago at Syd they played 5 bowlers 4 pacemen + Lyon. Bit of overkill against the battling Sris. From slightly addled memory, I think Watto was out injured. Wadey batted 6 ( 102* & 9 ), so he loved it. A reluctant Johnners pushed up to 7 (13 and 5*). Aus won, 5/141, in a tricky chase in the 4th.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
what is fiddling ? is a mare a nightmare haha
Pierro
Roar Rookie
he did say no one up there knows how to proceed through a round about and put down his looks below rowdy Roddy Piper . I think you should enter stage right
Chanon
Roar Rookie
You just pi’s.Ed on my rug
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Ok Auggie Doggie.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
People were in stitches or sew it seams.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
So you say you are thereabouts fiddling. And Pierro says you are too hard on yourself. I believe this is where I pull a Snagglepuss, and exit stage left...
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Lawyers wanted to charge clients for thinking about them. Accountants were charging people who weren't thinking about them. ''Professionals never foregather but to conspire against the general public" Adam Smith.,paraphrase. CA is no better.