Positive Australia ponders pace ahead of Ashes
Australia’s fast-bowling logjam is likely to cause coach Darren Lehmann the odd sleepless night in the coming weeks, but it’s a welcome dilemma, according to batsman Shaun Marsh.
Arguably the biggest question mark over Lehmann’s squad ahead of the Ashes-opening Test in Cardiff on July 8 is who will form his fast bowling unit, with five quicks demanding selection but likely only three spots up for grabs.
Young star Josh Hazlewood was named man of the series in the West Indies after claiming a series-high 12 wickets at the cost of just 8.83 runs apiece, but even he isn’t assured of a spot in the first Test.
In fact, champion legspinner Shane Warne suggested Hazlewood needs to wait his turn – and veteran Ryan Harris should be slot straight back in, despite not having played since the Australian summer where he finished down on pace and form in the 2-0 Test series win over India.
Mitchell Johnson terrorised England as Australia swept to a 5-0 series win at home two years ago, while Mitchell Starc continued to build off his stunning World Cup, where he was named man of the tournament.
There are also concerns about the ability of Harris, who has famously struggled with knee injuries in recent years, to get through all five Tests.
You might like
The outsider is Peter Siddle, the owner of 192 Test scalps who has slipped down the pecking order and hasn’t been called on since the opening Test of the India series.
“I think we’re very blessed to have four or five quality fast bowlers at the moment,” said opening batsman Marsh, who is himself facing pressure to retain a spot in the team.
“They’re all bowling fantastically well and they’re all very challenging out in the middle.
“It’s a good dilemma to have…you’ve got five real quality fast bowlers that are vying for probably three spots.”
Australia say they’re ready and waiting to take a new-look England head-on.
Following a horror showing at the World Cup, where they were bundled out before reaching the knockout stages, England vowed to play a more exciting brand of cricket.
Stay informed, daily
A drawn series in the West Indies followed their shambolic World Cup and led to the sacking of coach Peter Moores and ultimately the signing of Australian Trevor Bayliss, who takes the reins later this week.
England are confidently pointing to their improved form against New Zealand — which has included entertaining drawn series in both the Test and one-day formats — as proof they’ve turned the corner.
Australia are inclined to agree, and they’re ready to fight fire with fire.
“We’re expecting a really tough series against a team that will come out quite hard against us and if they decided to try to play that positive brand we’ll be prepared for that,” said Australian skipper Michael Clarke.
“The most important thing is you’ve got a team with plenty of players in form and plenty of cricket under their belt, playing in conditions they’re very accustomed to, against a team that’s really excited to be back in England and look forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”
Marsh said England’s changed mindset had been noted in the Australian camp, a side that has always advocated playing Test cricket in positive fashion.
“I think it’s really important to get out there and show your aggression and put your stamp on the game. That’s the Australian way,” he said.
“We’ve seen the English come out and play some really positive cricket the past couple of months and it’s going to be a really good brand of cricket from both teams.”
– Joe Barton
