Bulls put up their shields

Tassie pair in frame for call-up

BLEARY-EYED bats men could be taking block for Australia in Johannesburg for the fourth Test on Friday if the SOS goes out to Queensland and Tasmanian players in the Sheffield Shield final.

Tasmanian captain George Bailey and possibly rising star Jake Doran could be in the frame for call ups.

An Australian reshuffle would be needed if a Cricket Australian investigation in to the ball-tampering scandal finds suspensions are necessary for players.

Captain Steve Smith’s spot at number four already has to be filled, with Peter Handscomb, the lone spare batsman in the touring party, set to take that.

But with vice-captain David Warner and fellow opener Cameron Bancroft also in the gun for their part in the illfated plan, extra batsman may have to be flown in.

The Shield final is set to finish today, but there are no direct flights to the South African capital from Brisbane until Wednesday. That would land the players on Thursday, giving little preparation time.

A Cricket Australia spokesman said all possibilities were a “consideration”, but no players had been told to pack their bags yet.

Queenslanders Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns are the most likely to get called up, although as the moves grow to usher in a new era, Tasmania’s Doran could also be in the selection frame.

An opening combination of Shaun Marsh and Usman Khawaja is another possibility. That would see Pat Cummins batting higher and an extra bowler added.

Australia can only square the series with victory and could look to blood young fast bowler Jhye Richardson, reward Chadd Sayers for years of Shield toil, or play a second spinner in Victorian Jon Holland.