Warning on Lyon back-up planning
AUSTRALIA is playing a dangerous game by creating a spin-bowling wilderness behind Nathan Lyon.
That is the view of former Test spinner Stephen O’Keefe, who has warned selectors they must start giving slow bowlers more opportunities or risk the long-term consequences on overseas tours.
O’Keefe says he is likely to retire from first-class cricket at the end of this season, but has plans to continue on in the Big Bash League, after he helped announce yesterday that the Sydney Sixers will take a match to Coffs Harbour on January 5.
Australian selectors rolled the dice and elected not to take a second spinner to England for the recent Ashes series, keen to maximise the flexibility and depth of the squad in other areas.
In the end, Australia got away with the gamble when Lyon overcame injury concerns to play in the fifth Test. But O’Keefe, a veteran of nine Tests for Australia, admits he has serious concerns over the lack of development that has been put into young spinners below the country’s clear No.1, Lyon — particularly with a tour of Bangladesh locked in for next year.
“I was a bit surprised actually that Jon Holland [Victorian] didn’t get the opportunity [for the Ashes],” said O’Keefe. “They go to South Africa and they’ve taken a second spinner as cover for Nathan, but on this one, which is a longer Test series, they don’t bother with it.
“I think they’ve done so well with Gazza [Lyon], I’m not even sure they’re interested in trying to prepare or give a second guy some opportunities.
“If they want to get serious about it they’re going to have some big tours in India and the subcontinent coming up over the next couple of years, and they’re going to have to start preparing guys and maybe even some wickets at home that might be a bit more conducive to spin.”
It was confirmed last week Australia will play two Tests in Bangladesh next year.
O’Keefe was a late call-up for the corresponding tour of Bangladesh two years ago after selectors realised after one Test that they needed more spinning options. Australia had to fight to draw that series.