Ashes around the corner, XI starts to take shape
The 2017-18 Ashes series is a week away, and like many in the cricket community, I believe the wicket keeper and number six are the two spots up for grabs for the first test in Brisbane.
With the squad to be announced for tests one and two in the coming days, today we will pick our starting XI for Brisbane, as well as those waiting in the wings for number six and the wicket keeper.
Openers:
David Warner and Matthew Renshaw seem to be building a nice opening relationship.
Whilst the latter hasn’t had the greatest start to his shield season, averaging only 11.7 from six innings, his test average of 36.64 with a high score of 184 have more than proven his worth to the side.
As a young player, poor performances will happen and we should expect them, but with trust from selectors, his confidence will return, which will ultimately help Australia into the future.
A lot of cricket experts have argued that players who have had short stints of good form should not be considered in front of seasoned performers.
This is the same sort of situation in reverse. A player who has performed well at the highest level who has had a short stint of bad form, shouldn’t be dropped, just needs more chances to prove himself again.
As shown through his first 10 test matches at just 21, he has a very level head and lots of patience, which is exactly what David Warner needs as a supporting act to his aggressive style of play.
Source: Hindustan Times
Three to Five:
Usman Khawaja, who struggled in the sub-continent (didn’t play in India and was dropped for the second test in Bangladesh) has returned in superb form for Queensland.
In the Sheffield Shield season so far, he is averaging 86.5 after six innings for the Bulls, looking extremely comfortable at the crease. Coach Darren Lehman has backed him in for a return to first drop for the first test.
With a dominant average of 63.74 in Australia, Khawaja seems the right fit, especially with the first test at his home ground of the Gabba, spelling danger for England.
Captain Steve Smith will lock down the fourth spot, whilst Victorian skipper Peter Handscomb, although only averaging 28.8 so far in the Sheffield Shield, will lock down number five after stellar performances in his 10 test matches so far.
The domestic run-making machine has made a seamless transition to the international stage, averaging 53.07, and with his new appointment as captain of Victoria, it seems his leadership is taking off also.
Number Six:
We are going to side with the Victorians for the first test and go with Glenn Maxwell. Whilst a poor average of 26.07 from 14 innings at test level, he seems to be adjusting to the batting style required for a number six.
He has been in decent form, recording two 60’s from four innings so far in the Sheffield Shield. Seen as a subcontinent specialist does not help him, however as he has not played a test in Australia yet, selectors should be keen to seem him apply his trade on home turf.
Finishing at 45 not out against Tasmania in his sixth inning, he certainly has not hampered his chances to get the nod.
Source: The Indian Express
Number 7 (WK):
We are going completely left of field here, going with a keeper who is not keeping for his state currently.
Tim Paine has become the forgotten man from the Australia test scene after some injuries, but we think it is his time.
Many seem him as the finest pure gloveman in the country, and after making 71 not out in his first game back for Tasmania, he may be due for a call up.
Current test keeper Matthew Wade has taken his place since crossing from Victoria, however with an average of 35.87 from eight innings at test level, and a lot of time to mature since then, we are backing Tim Paine to be comeback player of the year.
With the skills to play at international level, we think he can attack the Poms both at the crease and behind the stumps, potentially piling on big scores.
Eight to 11:
Mitchell Starc will most likely bat at eight, owning a respectable average of 24.81 from 55 innings at test level. In the Sheffield Shield this season he has averaged 40 from three innings, whilst dominating bowling wise also, taking 17 wickets from just four innings.
His partner in crime of the last couple of years, Josh Hazelwood, will follow, and whilst he has not played for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield this season, his 118 test wickets at 25.75 show his star power with the red ball.
Nathan Lyon will take his rightful spot as Australia’s spinner for the first test, whilst Pat Cummings will take up the 11th spot, with 21 wickets through his first nine innings at test level.
Players in waiting – Number Six
Hilton Cartwright: First Class – Ave. 47.72, 19 wickets at 43.73
Seems to be another favourite of the selectors for the coveted number six. With a pair in his last game for Western Australia, his form may not be great, but he seems a very possible starter for the first test.
Jake Lehmann: First Class – Ave. 40.00 from 51 innings
The up and comer has put his name at the front of the selectors watch list, with an average of 45.00 through his first five innings in the Sheffield Shield, and 103 and 93 against Victoria. Wont be selected for the first test, but will be in consideration if his form can continue to be strong.
Source: news.com.au
Players in waiting – Wicket Keeper
Matthew Wade: First Class – Ave. 36.75 from 172 innings, Test – Ave. 28.58 from 38 innings
The current keeper, however he is under extreme pressure. With many calling for his head after innings of 5, 4 and 8 in Bangladesh, his average of 15.2 through five Sheffield Shield innings has not helped his case. Will be interesting to watch.
Peter Nevill: First Class – Ave. 39.85 from 133 innings, Test – Ave. 22.28 from 23 innings
Experienced test keeper, he has been solid so far in the Sheffield Shield season, averaging 26.67 from three innings. Having kept to three of the four Australian bowlers for New South Wales, he knows the attack well, which may bold well later in the series if changes are to come.
Source: Cricket Country