Swepson pushing Test case
A NATIONAL call- up is on the cards for Brisbane Heat leg- spinner Mitchell Swepson if he can produce another eyecatching Big Bash League season.
That is the view of New Zealand’s greatest ever spinner and Heat coach Dan Vettori ahead of tonight’s season opener against the Melbourne Stars at the Gabba.
Swepson will form a promising leg- spinning combination with Brisbane’s new international recruit, Pakistani teenager Shadab Khan.
The 24- year- old Swepson has caught the eye of “The King of Spin” Shane Warne during the past two BBL summers and toured India and Bangladesh with the Australian Test team this year.
He is yet to represent his country but the opportunity to play a Twenty20 international is there to be taken with Australia to face New Zealand and England in a series in February.
“He just keeps putting performances together,” said Vettori, who took 362 Test wickets.
“If he can put season after season together, that’s when you start getting looked at for those higher honours.
“He’s been in squads but if he can keep replicating his form then he’s got an opportunity to knock on their door.
“He does the job every time he goes out there to bowl. He’s been our most consistent bowler and real go- to guy for Brendon ( McCullum, captain).”
In the opening match of the Big Bash last night, the Sydney Thunder beat cross- town rivals the Sixers in a tight one.
Thunder star Shane Watson hit an impressive 77 off 46 balls as his side chased down the Sixers’ total of 149 on the final ball at Spotless Stadium.