Hot Holland finds persistence pays
CRICKET AARON Finch says Victorian left-arm spinner Jon Holland is a discerning call-up for Australia’s Test tour against heavyweight South Africa.
Holland, 30, was included in a 15-man squad for the fourTest tour of South Africa in March along with West Australian bolter Jhye Richardson.
Holland took 50 Sheffield Shield wickets last season, behind Chadd Sayers’ 62, which included 7/82 against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield final in Alice Springs.
Holland will shadow inform off-spinner Nathan Lyon, with his best chance of selection in the second Test at Port Elizabeth.
However, Finch says Holland is a proven game breaker and destined to add to his two Tests for Australia.
“He has been in unbelievable form for a couple of years now,” noted the Australian one-day batsman of his Victorian teammate.
“He spins the ball, takes wickets, is a genuine wickettaker, has over 50 Shield wickets over the last two Shield seasons ... is outstanding.
“In big games, Shield finals, he has taken five-fors – he is just a fantastic bowler.”
Holland was ruled out of the JLT One-Day Cup by knee surgery and has endured multiple shoulder surgeries that have sabotaged his first-class career.
Finch said Holland had finally got his body right, which saw him preferred to Ashton Agar.
“He’s fitter than he has ever been, his shoulder is stronger than it has been for a long time,” Finch said. “His batting is underrated. “Hopefully he can get a spot in that side because he has deserved it.”
Rookie Richardson jumped Sheffield Shield Player of the Year Sayers into the Test squad for the Rainbow Nation.
Finch believed Richardson’s raw pace sealed a slot but Sayers could take heart, with Holland rewarded
“He bowls quick and can swing the ball, has a lot of great attributes,” said Finch of Australian one-day teammate Richardson.
“It is exciting when you see raw pace like that.
“It will be great for Jhye to be in around the Test team.
“He has had a taste of oneday and Test cricket.
“He (Sayers) just has to take wickets; Jon has finally got his opportunity after a couple of 50-plus wicket seasons.”
Finch arrived in Adelaide focused on avoiding a one-day series whitewash against England on Australia Day.
England sealed series victory in Sydney on Sunday, holding a 3-0 lead, with matches in Adelaide and Perth to follow. for
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perseverance.
HE SPINS THE BALL, TAKES WICKETS, IS A GENUINE WICKET-TAKER, HAS OVER 50 SHIELD WICKETS OVER THE LAST TWO SHIELD SEASONS ... IS OUTSTANDING