The Sri Lankan Test squad has been announced, and like every Test squad in the history of Australian cricket, fans like to think they could have done better. I know I do, hence this piece.
It’s not a bad squad, mind – my issues with it are mostly emotional as it seems that Glenn Maxwell’s chances of more Tests are done and dusted. I hope those 46 Tests given to Mitch Marsh were worth it. That’s a little facetious, but Maxwell fans are allowed to be after the Justin Langer/Darren Lehmann years.
Still, I think the squad announcement prompts some questions.
Konstas and Khawaja I get. I’m not going to miss a ball of Konstas’ Test innings, in part because I sense there’s not going to be too many of them to watch. But who is the back-up in case of injury or terrible form in the first Test? Do they get two Tests regardless? You always, always need a back-up plan when it comes to openers.
Is it McSweeney again? Is it Head? (even though he clearly thrives at No.5, there is this weird push to promote him) Is it Marnus?
Have a plan, guys.
Sam Konstas. (Photo by Morgan Hancock – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Let’s consider.
Smith and Head, yes. I can understand – just – the loyalty to Usman and Marnus, especially with the WTC final coming up, and the lack of decent top-three alternatives. Konstas is an investment in the future (and again, there is a lack of decent alternatives). Beau Webster, of course. McSweeney and Cooper Connolly are looking to the future. I can see that. I would have preferred Glenn Maxwell to Cooper Connolly but can understand why they’ve gone with Connolly.
The one that surprised me most is Josh Inglis. Do they genuinely consider him a top-six batting option without his keeping? He’s not really a back-up opener. The tour is too short to need a back-up keeper. What’s the story here?
I think we’d be better off with Maxwell than Inglis. Dammit, the selectors owe us Maxwell fans after all those years where he was consistently ignored. They owe us!
Sorry, am getting emotional. But I do genuinely think he’s a better batting option than Inglis.
Oh, Pete Handscomb’s been left out. I thought they’d take him over Inglis, too. I’m sure they talked about him, but that will be cold comfort. Handscomb’s Test record isn’t bad and he has consistently been getting runs. I sense the selectors have put him in the “we think you’ll average around 33 so we’re going to take a punt on someone who gives off the vibe he’ll score more” basket that they’ve put Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft in.
Nathan Lyon, yes. Todd Murphy, sure.
But Matt Kuhnemann now? I don’t know. I’d think about Corey Rocchiccioli. I do love, however, there are actually decent options for non-Lyon spin bowlers. It’s very exciting.
Are there plans to send an Australia A side to Asia soon? I’d love to see these young spinners bowl off against each other. The more high-level experience spin bowlers can have, the less chance they get Jon Holland-ised.
Matthew Kuhnemann celebrates taking a wicket, (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Yes, I think so. Australia has traditionally been blessed with these. Everyone in the squad deserves their chance. I actually wouldn’t have minded if Mitch Starc had taken a break to help give another fast bowler a go, but can understand why they want a little stability in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood.
No! I understand international scheduling is very difficult but Cricket Australia needs to be putting on some sexy Australian-based cricket for February. Yes, there is the Shield and I love the Shield but I’m talking about an event for people to go to at home, in addition to watching the Sri Lankan tour.
Some ideas to throw up against the wall… a short series between two “best of the BBL” sides could be a lot of fun – give a little extra stakes to the BBL, players playing for a spot in that side. Or an Australian XI side playing T20 against a touring side from say South Africa or New Zealand (or even an Indian IPL side). This would still enable the Shield to go on as not all the players would be used (I acknowledge it would weaken the Shield a little).
We could also give some thought to playing an annual Test match against New Zealand. Like, do it every year at the end of the Australian summer – make it the Anzac Test. Play a Test match and five white-ball games or something. One here and one there. I know it’s not a series but a one-off Test can be fun too.
Maybe these ideas aren’t feasible but we should be doing more. February is great real estate in the sports calendar and I think cricket could do more with it.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. What are yours?
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
Cricket bible Wisden has named their Test team of the year for 2025 - and Australia have copped a serious snub. Despite being the…
England have the Ashes on their mind, and especially the arsenal of quick bowlers assembled to win back the urn, but coach Brendon McCullum…
Alex Carey has entered the chat when it comes to debate over the greatest wicketkeepers in Australian history. He will never overtake Adam Gilchrist,…
Australia have retained the women's Ashes after Beth Mooney went ballistic at the SCG and England fell in a heap to lose their fourth…
Australia paid the price the last time they were in Sri Lanka for failing to adapt to the conditions. Will they be bold enough…
Steve Smith's tour of Sri Lanka is under an injury cloud after he injured his right elbow while throwing in the field for the…
