Australia should pick tried and tested players

Cricket365
October 21, 2016

According to Cricket Australia XI coach Greg Blewett, the Baggy Greens would be best served by sticking with a settled lineup based on last season’s Test team.

An injury to Shaun Marsh has thrown open the door for a number of fringe players to compete for a place in the batting lineup with then position expected to be filled by one of Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head or uncapped Cameron Bancroft.

Blewett, who will coach a Cricket Australia XI against South Africa in a two-day, pink-ball practice match at the Adelaide Oval starting on Saturday said: “I am not a selector but privy to private discussions and would be surprised of the side isn’t reasonably similar to what was in Australia last year.

“Those guys all play our conditions extremely well and we want our best side available in Perth.

“The boys are champing at the bit come Perth.”

With the opening round of Sheffield Shield matches starting next week players like Bancroft and Head will have a fantastic opportunity to put their hands up for selection one last time before the first Test against South Africa gets undrway at the WACA on November 3.

The Australian assistant coach added: “Those fringe players, if the can start performing especially this time of year, provide food for thought. That is what they have to do.

“Whether it is him (Head) or three or four other players runs are absolutely gold.

“There may be some change through the summer. We want to be competitive and there’s no doubt there is a bit of an eye towards India and that’s for behind the scenes management.”