After successfully securing a series whitewash against Pakistan, Australia’s next assignment is a four-Test series against India which is starting from 23rd February in Pune. Though, the conditions will be completely different from what Aussies encounter at home, Smith led side will be high on confidence with four back-to-back wins.
Half of the side was revamped and youngsters were brought into the side in the aftermath of the series defeat against South Africa at home. Matthew Renshaw and Peter Handscomb, the newcomers, have done exceedingly well but the real challenge for them lies ahead, i.e. India tour.
In recent times, alike other teams, Australia too have not been good travellers. Their visit to Sri Lanka last year was nothing short of a humiliation where they suffered a 3-0 clean sweep against the home side. Lack of quality spinners and their inability to bowl on Asian pitches was the main reason for their defeat.
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Unlike England, Kangaroos will plan to come prepared with variety of spin bowling options which are coming up in their domestic circuit. As Lyon is set to lead the bowling attack in India, it will be interesting to see who will partner him as Australia will look to halt their losing streak in Asia.
Here we have a look at five spinners Australia may consider for the tour of India:
#1 Steve O’Keefe
Steve O’Keefe made his debut in 2012 against Pakistan in Dubai, but could not cement his spot as Lyon became the preferred spinner once Australia came back at home. He is the most unfortunate bowler post-Shane Warne era, but finally got his chance at SCG against Pakistan which was, in a way, a trial before the selection for the tour of India.
The left arm orthodox spinner didn’t disappoint and returned with decent figures of 4/104. Most importantly he picked up three wickets in the second innings on the final day which also included a key wicket of Pakistan captain.
The New South Wales player has made a great start to this domestic season where he has already scalped 11 wickets in two games at an average of 19.91. Steve also bowled superbly in the only Test he played in Sri Lanka after which he had to return back home due to injury.
O’Keefe’s left arm spin bowling will add variety to the Aussie bowling attack as India possess many right-handers in their batting line up. His experience at the domestic level and his performances in Asia, albeit in only a couple of Tests, makes him a certain starter in the playing eleven.
#2 Ashton Agar
Ashton Agar, the 23-year-old youngster, is a promising candidate who made his International debut in 2013, but faded away due to the lack of opportunities presented to him by the selectors at the highest level.
He is back again in contention with his strong performances with both bat and ball in the domestic season as well as in the ongoing Big Bash League. This season in Sheffield Shield, Agar has picked up 16 wickets in four Tests and also batted in top six for Western Australia with notable contributions.
While Agar doesn’t have the experience O’Keefe boasts, his recent form is outstanding. He captured his first 10-wicket haul in first-class cricket at the iconic SCG recently against New South Wales in the same match where O’Keefe claimed eight wickets. Even Smith expressed confidence in Agar before Sydney Test when he was included in the squad.
Agar’s ability to bat in the top seven and his left arm spin bowling could book his ticket for the much-awaited tour of India. Though, with O’Keefe being preferred over him, it will be interesting to see how Smith uses him as the things unfold during the tour.
#3 Adam Zampa
Australia’s premier limited overs spinner, Adam Zampa, is another exciting prospect who could be in line for a Test call-up. The leg-spinner has made every post a winner since making his International debut almost a year ago.
The South Australian has been exemplary in the limited overs format for Australia as he priced 30 scalps at an average of 27.18 last year but somehow he hasn’t been able to replicate it in the red ball cricket. This season in the domestic circuit, Zampa has been below par picking only 9 wickets in three matches at a mediocre average of 47.89.
It could be argued that the pitches in Australia barely help the spinners. Zampa’s leg spin will provide a much-needed variety to Australia’s bowling attack. Also the surfaces in India will help him more than it does down under.
While it looks certain that an off-spinner and a left arm spinner will make it to the squad, inclusion of Zampa would be a complete package Australia could take to India as they will encounter different conditions and situations on the tour.
#4 Mitchell Swepson
Mitchell Swepson is a 23-year-old leg spinner currently playing for Brisbane Heat in the ongoing season of Big Bash League. Aussie selectors might have an eye on him for the tour of India given his strong performances in Sheffield Shield.
The rookie has already been highly rated by the ‘King of Spin’ Shane Warne and the former Australian cricketer wants him to be included in the squad which will fly to India soon. Even former Australia captain Micheal Clarke has backed Swepson’s talent and is sure of him doing well if given an opportunity.
Swepson’s record too warrants his selection as he has picked 41 wickets in only 14 first class matches he has played. He has already represented Australia A in the longest format against South Africa A and India A. Also he is enjoying decent success in BBL this season as he has taken at least a wicket in every match he has played and that too at an economy rate of around 7.
Some might argue that Swepson doesn’t have too many matches under his belt but the performances cannot be ignored. Though Zampa might be given a nod by selectors it would not be a bad idea to keep Swepson as a backup option.
#5 Cameron Boyce
Cameron Boyce, another leg spinner from Queensland, is an experienced player as far as domestic cricket is concerned. He is currently playing in Big Bash for Hobart Hurricanes.
The 27-year-old has already made his International debut, albeit in the shortest format of the game. But he hasn’t earned a call-up yet in Tests. He has been playing at first class level for last seven years now and looks ready to step up to the highest level.
Though his numbers do not justify his selection, his experience cannot be discounted. In his early days, he was highly praised by Ashley Matt, the former Test off-spinner and the respected coach who watched Boyce’s progress very closely.
Boyce endured his most successful domestic season in 2013-14 when he picked 26 wickets which earned him a call-up for Australia A.
As Adam Zampa looks a certain pick in the squad for the tour of India, it will be a toss-up between Swepson and Boyce. All these aforementioned if selected, will have to perform well to stay in National side for long period of time.
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