My OperaWednesday, July 31, 2013 7:52:20 PM
Warner’s return welcome
David Warner’s inclusion in the Australian lineup for the third test match will be a positive move if he is selected. The Australian opener who has been away in Africa for the Australian A team is now back with the senior team ahead of the crucial third test at Old Trafford. Warner was sent to Africa to regain some form and he did justice to his selectors’ plans by scoring 195 runs in the first innings against South Africa A. Together with Warner I believe that Australia should field the following squad if they are to win.
Shane Watson
The right handed batsman has so far failed to put up a meaningful fight up front but there is absolutely no doubt in mind that the big hitter can improve his performance. Watson is an aggressive player and his partnership with Warner at the top is what Australia has been lacking so far.
Usman Khawaja
At number 3 I think Usman Khawaja deserves another chance in the starting XI. In the 2nd test Khawaja put up a good fight with a wonderful half century and I believe that if Australia take control of the match he can make a big score.
Phill Hughes
There has been talk of dropping Hughes but personally I don’t think that will be a good idea.Hughes has hugely suffered because of changes in batting positions in the past. The way held the 1st innings in the 1st test at Trent Bridge displayed some great maturity in the way he is now playing. As a player I think Hughes has emotionally and physically matured and is the player to put in the squad in a make or break test match like the one ahead.
Michael Clarke
Playing at number 5 the Australian captain has before this series been influential and I think that is where he should keep playing.Of late the skipper has been out of form and I’m sure if he was any other player like Ed Cowan he would have been dropped by now.However, Clarke is a top class player and can quickly get back in form and make big scores. The Australians can also make use of his bowling for a few overs.
Steven Smith
In the 2nd test Smith made headlines after taking 3 crucial wickets in the last session of a day and Australia will be happy to have him on board. There are doubts about Smith’s fitness but if he is fit the Aussies will rejoice. Australian can use his leg breaks to their advantage since more turn is expected at Old Trafford.
Matthew Wade
The left handed batsman is yet to feature so far in the series and I think it’s time he plays.Wade will also have to come in as a wicket keeper as Brad Haddin hasn’t been on his best at the moment and Wade is the rightful replacement.
Peter Siddle
Siddle is no doubt Australia’s best bowler at the moment and the Aussies expect him to be at his best.
Jackson Bird
With Pattinson out injured I think Bird should be given a chance to share the new ball with Ryan Harris.
Ryan Harris
Harris had a wonderful test at the Lord’s and there is no reason why he should not play. Harris took a fiver in the last test and if he continues like that then Australia stand a chance to pull one back.
Nathan Lyon
The off spinner should come in for Ashton Agar who has had a good series so far with the bat. However, the 19 year old has disappointed with the ball, a job he is selected for. Lyon can use the little experience he has to haunt the English batsmen.
David Warner’s inclusion in the Australian lineup for the third test match will be a positive move if he is selected. The Australian opener who has been away in Africa for the Australian A team is now back with the senior team ahead of the crucial third test at Old Trafford. Warner was sent to Africa to regain some form and he did justice to his selectors’ plans by scoring 195 runs in the first innings against South Africa A. Together with Warner I believe that Australia should field the following squad if they are to win.
Shane Watson
The right handed batsman has so far failed to put up a meaningful fight up front but there is absolutely no doubt in mind that the big hitter can improve his performance. Watson is an aggressive player and his partnership with Warner at the top is what Australia has been lacking so far.
Usman Khawaja
At number 3 I think Usman Khawaja deserves another chance in the starting XI. In the 2nd test Khawaja put up a good fight with a wonderful half century and I believe that if Australia take control of the match he can make a big score.
Phill Hughes
There has been talk of dropping Hughes but personally I don’t think that will be a good idea.Hughes has hugely suffered because of changes in batting positions in the past. The way held the 1st innings in the 1st test at Trent Bridge displayed some great maturity in the way he is now playing. As a player I think Hughes has emotionally and physically matured and is the player to put in the squad in a make or break test match like the one ahead.
Michael Clarke
Playing at number 5 the Australian captain has before this series been influential and I think that is where he should keep playing.Of late the skipper has been out of form and I’m sure if he was any other player like Ed Cowan he would have been dropped by now.However, Clarke is a top class player and can quickly get back in form and make big scores. The Australians can also make use of his bowling for a few overs.
Steven Smith
In the 2nd test Smith made headlines after taking 3 crucial wickets in the last session of a day and Australia will be happy to have him on board. There are doubts about Smith’s fitness but if he is fit the Aussies will rejoice. Australian can use his leg breaks to their advantage since more turn is expected at Old Trafford.
Matthew Wade
The left handed batsman is yet to feature so far in the series and I think it’s time he plays.Wade will also have to come in as a wicket keeper as Brad Haddin hasn’t been on his best at the moment and Wade is the rightful replacement.
Peter Siddle
Siddle is no doubt Australia’s best bowler at the moment and the Aussies expect him to be at his best.
Jackson Bird
With Pattinson out injured I think Bird should be given a chance to share the new ball with Ryan Harris.
Ryan Harris
Harris had a wonderful test at the Lord’s and there is no reason why he should not play. Harris took a fiver in the last test and if he continues like that then Australia stand a chance to pull one back.
Nathan Lyon
The off spinner should come in for Ashton Agar who has had a good series so far with the bat. However, the 19 year old has disappointed with the ball, a job he is selected for. Lyon can use the little experience he has to haunt the English batsmen.
