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.
Key factors:
Australia is but to determine its bowling assault for the third Take a look at in opposition to the ProteasAshton Agar might be included as a second spinning choiceAustralian coach Andrew McDonald will not rule out a Take a look at debut for Lance Morris
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.
“Or we might play in all probability what we might name a traditional construction for Australia the place it is three quicks and one spinner and a few part-time spin choices to assist out.”
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