Australia still not certain about their final bowling attack – Cricket News Update
Just one day prior to the first Test of the three-match series against South Africa at Brisbane, Australia are still not certain about the bowling line-up they want to play in the match and may go in with an all-pace attack.
In the lead up to the opening fixture of one of the most crucial encounters of the current season, it was widely predicted in the Kangaroos’ ranks that they will attack the Proteas with three speedsters and a spinner in Nathan Lyon.
The pitch however, in Australia’s skipper, Michael Clarke’s opinion, has a different look to it and is likely to assist the seam bowlers, encouraging the home team to add an extra pacer, especially in Shane Watson’s absence, who has been ruled out of the first Test due to a calf injury.
The team management has not taken the final decision as yet and will decide the final playing-11 before the toss on day 1.
“I was expecting to have a decision for you today but the wicket has changed a little bit since yesterday,” Clarke said. “I need to wait and see if it changes any more come tomorrow morning. The weather plays a big part as well, if it's overcast compared to sun shining.”
James Pattinson and Peter Siddle are almost certain to find a place in the team because of their recent performances in Sheffield Shield cricket. If the home team decides to play the off-spinner, Lyon, then either Mitchell Starc or Ben Hilfenhaus will have to sit on the bench.
“The forecast is okay for the week but I really want to wait until tomorrow morning to give ourselves a really good look at it. At this stage we're still deciding do we play four fast bowlers or do we play three fast bowlers and Nathan,” the Aussie skipper added.
The Australian bowlers will have to be on top of their game if they are to win the series and become the world’s number one ranked Test team once again, with the visitors having some exceptional batsmen like Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla. Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers in their ranks.
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