HANDSCOMB’S KEEPING HIS TEST OPTIONS OPEN
PETER Handscomb is using dusty pitches in Darwin to improve both batting and glovework, saying he is open to taking the keeping gloves in Bangladesh.
Handscomb took on the job for Australia on day three of this year’s SCG Test, when Matthew Wade was sick.
He was also behind the stumps throughout the ensuing ODI tour of New Zealand, when Wade tweaked his back.
Handscomb has reiterated throughout his career he is a back-up keeper and batting is the No.1 priority.
It’s highly unlikely the Victorian batsman will be asked to keep throughout the two-Test series that starts on August 27 and will be played on turning tracks.
But there is every chance Wade could miss some part of a game because of injury or illness, so Handscomb is getting a crash course in subcontinent keeping during the ongoing intra-squad match.
“It’s an interesting one. I was doing some (recent) white-ball keeping for Yorkshire in England,” Handscomb said after scoring 105 on day one of the tune- up.
“Ultimately I’m happy to do it if it’s good for team balance, if it opens up another position for a batter or bowler to come into the side.
“But first and foremost, I’ve always said that batting is my No.1 and then keeping is definitely second fiddle.”
Handscomb is behind the stumps for David Warner’s XI in the three-day game, giving him a chance to learn more the bowling of Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar.
Meanwhile, Warner retired hurt after copping a bouncer to the neck during the intra-squad match.
After Josh Hazlewood’s delivery, Warner walked off the field unassisted.