Spinners ‘struggling’ with seaming decks

SHEFFIELD Shield pitches are cruelling Australia’s hunt for its next Test spinner, says tweaker Mitchell Swepson.

The Queensland legspinner is welcoming heat from national selectors for domestic spinners to perform as they seek a back-up to Test stalwart Nathan Lyon.

But Swepson says seamerfriendly pitches around the nation do not help spinners push their case for national selection.

“It has been tough at the moment for spinners in Sheffield Shield,” Swepson said.

“The conditions don’t really suit at all grounds for spinners to play. I obviously didn’t play the first two games at the Gabba there in seaming conditions. I know a few states don’t play spinners at their home grounds either, it has been quite tough for spin bowlers in the country.”

Swepson and NSW stalwart Steve O’Keefe are the Shield’s leading spin wicket-takers this season, with 10 apiece. There are 18 fast bowlers with more Shield wickets.

Aussie selector Trevor Hohns said the search was on for spin support to Nathan Lyon, particularly with a Sydney Test against New Zealand looming in the New Year.

“It is a bit of an issue for us, we’re really focusing on our spin bowling department at the moment,” Hohns said.

“We will be putting a couple of spinners on notice to make sure they are doing extra work as required.”

Swepson liked what he heard from Hohns.

“You get excited when you hear things like that,” the 26year-old said. “It has been communicated before that they’re looking for someone to step up into that role ... there is a bit of a gap between Nathan Lyon and the rest of the guys coming through. [Selectors] are probably a little bit worried about our spin bowling stocks in the country at the moment.

“It gives a bit of hope.”