Cricket selectors cast wide net
Redbacks batsmen Michael Klinger and Callum Ferguson have won spots in the Australia “A” cricket side to play England.
National selector John Inverarity said the coming weeks give players their chance to shine in Sheffield Shield matches and lead-up games against England.
Australia’s summer of cricket takes shape from tomorrow with the start of the Sheffield Shield and England’s first appearance on Thursday against a WA Chairman’s XI.
Most of Australia’s international prospects are still playing in India in a one-day series, leaving almost every first-class cricketer in Australia with a chance to make a statement to selectors.
The Sheffield Shield opening round has all six States playing at the same time.
“These 77 cricketers will be competing hard and performances in all matches will be closely monitored,” Inverarity said.
“It shapes as an exciting couple of weeks in Australian domestic cricket as we lead into the first Commonwealth Bank Ashes Test in Brisbane (on November 21).
“We have struck a balance in what we think is the appropriate Australia A team to face England, while ensuring individuals have a solid preparation and chance to impress.
You might like
“There were clearly a number of players under consideration to play for Australia A in this match, however we have long been aware that 77 cricketers would be playing and due to various circumstances we have balanced our interests with what we feel is in the best interests for each player, their preparation and chance to push for higher honours.”
The Australia A XI to face England is:
Moises Henriques (Captain) NSW Glenn Maxwell (Vice-Captain) VIC Trent Copeland NSW Ben Cutting QLD Alex Doolan TAS Callum Ferguson SA Jon Holland VIC Usman Khawaja QLD Michael Klinger SA Shaun Marsh WA Tim Paine TAS
England, meanwhile, warms up with a WA Chairman’s XI three-day game starting Thursday before the match against Australia “A” and then a final run against NSW.
The parallel scheduling of matches for a WA Shield side and a WA Chairman’s XI has seen Queensland’s Chris Lynn drafted in to bolster the WA side.
Lynn enters the match on a high after hitting the winning runs in Sunday’s one-day cup final against NSW.
Australia’s captain, Michael Clarke, who missed the Indian tour, was a shock inclusion in a 12-man NSW squad to take on the Tasmania at Blacktown having been given the green light by Cricket Australia to return to action.
Clarke had been expected to return on November 6 against Victoria at the MCG having not played since the final one-day international against England in September due to his troublesome back.
Clarke will have to pass a fitness test late Tuesday before leading a side that contains Test players David Warner, Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith.
South Australia plays Queensland tomorrow at Glenelg’s Gliderol Stadium.
Stay informed, daily
The match was moved to a suburban oval while work continues on Adelaide Oval’s redvelopment.
Australian u19 batsman and Redbacks’ rookie Kelvin Smith is expected to make his Sheffield Shield debut.
Smith came to notice in the under-19 tournament in India, with scores of 139 against Zimbabwe and 74 against India.
In district A grade cricket Smith made 172 opening the batting for West Torrens in the first round and also made 149 runs in two matches for the Western Grit in the SACA Premier League.
Other possible newcomers for the Redbacks are Kensington paceman Elliot Opie and Adam Zampa, who performed well in the final two RYOBI One Day Cup matches.
Redbacks’ coach Darren Berry said Smith had forced his way into contention.
“Kelvin Smith has earned his place in the side through sheer amount of runs and I think Redbacks fans should be excited.
“Elliot Opie has been a rookie-listed player for a few years now and hopefully he can put his hand up for an opportunity this season,” he told saca.com.au
“We have some frontline players missing through injury and now our depth will be tested. It is a wonderful opportunity for some exciting youngsters to make their mark as a Redbacks player and ultimately contribute to team success.
“This group is ready and desperate to achieve success.
“I hope South Australian cricket fans get down to Gliderol Stadium and support us in our first match at home for the season.”
Play begins 10.30am and entry is free
Want to see more stories from InDaily SA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily SA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily SA". That's it.
