Bowling help on the way
NATHAN Lyon’s command at the crease has been likened to the great Shane Warne, but Australia is still weighing up including an allrounder for the third Test.
In- form all- rounder Mitchell Marsh has caught the eye of selectors and, along with fellow West Australian Marcus Stoinis, appears to be in consideration for an Ashes call- up.
Lyon’s five- wicket haul in Brisbane took pressure off Australia’s pacemen, in what could have developed into a disastrous situation with no fifth bowling option.
Lyon has 51 wickets for the year and could finish 2017 the highestwicket- taker in world cricket and hold legitimate claim to being crowned the game’s No. 1 spinner.
However, it seems the cavalry may still be coming.
Coach Darren Lehmann admits the current team balance of only having four bowlers doesn’t sit comfortably.
Mitchell Marsh has returned to bowling after shoulder surgery and could come into contention at No. 6 as it’s highly unlikely Lehmann’s side can go through the five- Test series without a change.
“You’d always like one ( an allrounder). At the moment some of the all- rounders aren’t knocking down the door like they should be,” said Lehmann.
“We rate ( Mitchell Marsh) highly and his output with the bat’s been really impressive this summer. He’s an option with another few all- rounders if we go down that path.
“It’s good to see him back bowling and … ( we just want to see him) get through some overs, really.
“Australia has always had an all- rounder. They’re just handy when you have that long second innings and if you do get an injury during the game. At the moment it’s OK ( without one) but you certainly look at it.”
Mitchell Marsh returned to bowling in WA’s Shield match against Queensland, taking 2- 49 off nine overs in the second innings. He has made two centuries and a 95 so far this domestic season, and another match of bowling for WA could see him firmly in Test contention.
Selectors are also big fans of Stoinis, but the ODI star has played only intermittently this season due to his father’s death.
It would be a huge call as to who Australia would leave out to accommodate an all- rounder – particularly given No. 6 Shaun Marsh played a crucial role at the Gabba with a half- century – but for the sake of protecting the fast bowlers, it may have to happen.
Lehmann said the transformation in Lyon’s confidence over the past 12 months had been stunning.
“He kept us in the game day one, he was fantastic. He’s just grown with confidence and success breeds that,” he said.
“He’s actually come out of his shell a lot. He’s totally changed.”