Australia pondering over Starc’s inclusion – Cricket News Update
Australian Head Coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 at Adelaide.
Despite the Aussies dominating the drawn opening Test, their contemplation reflects the depth they have in the fast bowling department. They went into the Brisbane clash with the preferred trio of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/James-Pattinson-c1653 but the former’s lack of aggression with the new ball has left the management in search for other viable options.
Hilfenahaus claimed just two lower order scalps in almost 50 overs, and looked well below his usual self. He remained the team’s chief operator last season but has played little cricket since http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 in April this year.
If he is excluded from the line-up, Starc remains in pole position to grab that third seamer’s spot, having impressed with his wicket-taking prowess over the past two months. With the added ability to swing the ball, the left-armer is likely to be considered for the second clash, which will be played in a week’s time.
The only thing going against the 22-year-old is his limited exposure with the red ball. Much of his success has come in the limited-over circuit, and he has only played just one Sheffield Shield this season for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-South-Wales-c823, claiming 3 wickets.
Arthur further opened the door for the inclusion of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MG-Johnson-c1945, whose last Test match came against the Proteas in November 2011. The left-armer has looked sharp in the domestic circuit so far and could bring aggression to the side.
"It's a good question and certainly worth some consideration going in to Adelaide. With the rough that might be created it could be quite good," Arthur said. "But Starcy is also on song at the moment, he's swinging it nicely, he's bowling with good pace. It's another option for us and a nice one for us bearing in mind he's a left-armer.
“Mitchell [Starc] is playing a Shield game at the moment. Let's see how he goes in that one and it might give us another option come Adelaide."
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