Aussie bowler puzzle looms
PAT Cummins’ workload and Nathan Lyon’s illness form part of an intriguing selection puzzle confronting Australia in the UAE.
Cummins and Lyon were notable absentees from Australia’s first training session after the squad’s arrival in Dubai for a five-match ODI series against Pakistan.
Cummins was restricted to gym work and is expected to be rested at some point during the series, which starts tomorrow and spans 10 days.
Any setback for him would represent a doomsday scenario for Australia, especially with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood both hurt ahead of this year’s World Cup and Ashes.
Cummins is yet to enjoy a break of substance since being rested from the home ODI series against India in January.
The return of Kane Richardson and Nathan CoulterNile has given Australia more flexibility when it comes to resting Cummins.
Lyon, recovering from gastro, was also told not to train yesterday.
Shaun Marsh’s return, which coach Justin Langer flagged would come at some point in the UAE, is another potential change that could be made to the XI that defeated India.
Winning the series against Pakistan is the short-term goal but settling on the 15-man World Cup squad is also at the forefront of selectors’ minds.
“It’s a great place to be, everyone’s playing well,” Marsh said. “A lot of competition for spots. The most important thing is the team is playing well and we’re winning games of cricket again.”
Langer’s message has been to not focus on World Cup selection but that will become harder as the April 23 deadline edges closer.
Selectors are expected to meet in early April to settle on the 15-man Cup squad plus the national contract list, which is set to be headed by Cummins.
“It (the Cup) is really close,” legspinner Adam Zampa said.
“Throughout my short career I’ve found it can change really quickly. I know what it’s like to (be dropped) so just trying to make the most of my position.”