Smith named 2015’s top player
Siddle quick to defend pace pack
STEVE Smith says he’s still pinching himself after becoming the fourth Australian to win the ICC’s Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Cricketer of the Year.
Australia’s Test skipper has also won the award for Test player of the year.
“You don’t think about these awards and these accolades,” Smith said.
“To be recognised as the best player this year against some unbelievable talent around the world, it’s very humbling and it’s an honour.
“You have to pinch yourself sometimes.” stars such as ex-skipper Michael Clarke, pace bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris and opener Chris Rogers.
“I don’t think we’re far away at all (being the top Test team),” Warner said.
“Once you get to No.1 it’s about staying there and that’s something that South Africa has done very, very well in the last two years.”
Opener Joe Burns, 26, had a scare at training yesterday when he was hit on the forearm by Victorian quick Scott Boland, 26, and was forced out of the nets.
The opener was immediately led away from the nets by team doctor Peter Brukner as concerns grew over the Queenslander’s fitness for the Boxing Day Test.
Coach Darren Lehmann was quick to check on Burns and later gave him the OK.
Warner said Rod Marsh’s selection panel faces a tough decision.
“They’ve picked Joe for the first couple of Tests. He did well in his first Test. Now it’s a tough decision for the selectors and it’s in their hands.”
Smith made his Test debut in 2010 as a leg-spinner batting at No.8.
“It’s been one hell of a ride, the last five years,” he said.
“To come in and play as a spinner then get thrown back into state cricket and come back (into the national side) and play as a batsman and not do so well, to go back to state level and try and find a game that can be adaptable and be successful at this level was important to me.
“I said when I got another opportunity I wanted to make the most of it and I think I’ve done that.” VETERAN Peter Siddle has hit back at suggestions of a national pace crisis, noting competition for Test spots is still fierce.
Australia’s fast bowling stocks have been severely depleted this year, with Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson retiring, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Coulter-Nile are sidelined with injuries.
Victorian quick Scott Boland, who has played 27 firstclass games, has been called into Australia’s squad for the Boxing Day Test after impressing selectors this season.
Siddle admitted it was a time of transition for the country’s pace battery but insisted the depth was still there.
The right-armer pointed to the fact that Rod Marsh’s panel could have called on several candidates following Coulter-Nile’s latest setback.
“Bolo’s (Boland) a perfect example of someone in state cricket performing well and getting picked because of it,” Siddle said. “There’s still a number of pacemen on the scene that could have been picked that are also performing well. The depth is there.
“Jackson Bird’s a good example of someone that has represented Australia, got injured and is now performing well again. There’s enough good pacemen to grab any spots on offer.”