Australia considers utilizing 5 bowlers for SCG Take a look at in opposition to South Africa

Australian coach Andrew McDonald says he’s “very comfy” with the prospect of taking 5 bowlers into the ultimate Take a look at in opposition to South Africa on the SCG.

Nevertheless, McDonald mentioned all choice choices remained on the desk, with Australia having already claimed the collection victory forward of the third Take a look at, which begins on Wednesday.

The Take a look at on the spin-friendly SCG sparks a yearly debate as as to if Australia ought to reconfigure its conventional bowling set-up.

This yr, the dialogue is extra pertinent, given the upcoming four-Take a look at tour of India.

After Mitchell Starc and Cameron Inexperienced had been dominated out of the SCG Take a look at as a consequence of harm, McDonald has referred to as spin-bowling all-rounder Ashton Agar into his squad.

“Sport time at Take a look at degree is at all times useful and, if it does have a connection to a tour sooner or later, then little question it is smart,” McDonald mentioned.

McDonald wouldn’t assure a fifth Take a look at cap for Agar, whereas including it was not important to downsize the tempo assault if he did embrace the left-hander within the aspect.

Alex Carey posted his first Take a look at century batting at seven in Melbourne, and McDonald mentioned the efficiency had given him confidence the wicketkeeper might soar up the order to make manner for 5 bowlers if required.

If McDonald does take that choice, it will mark the primary time Australia has performed 5 specialist bowlers in a house Take a look at since 2013.

“There are such a lot of choices, relying on what the floor affords when it comes to the stability of the assault,” McDonald mentioned.

“It might be two spinners, two quicks. We might play a barely extra aggressive crew, with Alex Carey going to 6 and play 5 bowlers.

Enjoying 5 bowlers might additionally open up a spot for Western Australian fast Lance Morris, who was referred to as into the squad forward of the second Take a look at in opposition to West Indies final month.

Whereas captain Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood are the likeliest quicks to be picked in a five-bowler state of affairs, Morris’s blistering tempo is a degree of distinction and would make him a becoming alternative for Starc.

“All situations are on the desk,” McDonald mentioned.

“If we really feel as if we want some air-speed, then Lance is the plain one. The situations will decide that.”

AAP