Several Test spots on offer as Australia A face Pakistan
What's the story
There are a number of batting spots up for grabs in the Australian Test team ahead of their two-match series against Pakistan next month. On Tuesday, the selectors named a strong Australia A side with many batting hopefuls in the mix. Wicket-keeper batsman Alex Carey will lead the team in a three-day match against Pakistan. Here's more on the same.
Batting slots
Many positions in the batting department up for grabs
Australia had some holes in their batting in the 2-2 Ashes series draw against England recently. After the series, former Aussie legend Ricky Ponting said the likes of Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner are his choices as certain Test starters. That leaves many positions in the side up for grabs. And there are several names looking to make themselves heard.
Opening
The scenario of Australia's opening department
Australia struggled in Ashes 2019 in the opening department. There was no sort of composure as all three options struggled. Despite a horrific run, Warner is likely to keep his place against Pakistan. However, Cameron Bancroft will need to work his way through. Marcus Harris has been presented a chance after being named in the Australia A squad. It's a massive moment for him.
Players
Several players fighting for berths in the middle order
The likes of Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson and rising star Will Pucovski are set to feature in the line-up. Also, Alex Carey is in frame to present his case. Khawaja looks like a certain bet to keep his place against in the two-match Test series. However, the others will be vying for berths. It's going to be a good headache for Australia.
Trevor Hohns
We will closely monitor performances, says Trevor Hohns
"We will closely monitor performances in this match as well as the coming rounds of the Sheffield Shield before deciding upon our squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan," national selector Trevor Hohns said. The selector is also looking at Pucovski and his Victoria teammate Maddinson. "Both are exciting batsmen whom we've had our eye on for some time," Hohns said.
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Can Joe Burns stake a claim?
Joe Burns was controversially left out of the Ashes 2019 squad has a big opportunity to impress top of the order in this warm-up Test. The 30-year-old, who has played 16 Tests for Australia, has done well in domestic cricket of late.
Carey
Interesting position for Carey in the Australian Test side
Carey, who has been doing well in limited-overs cricket of late, was unfortunate to miss out from the Ashes 2019 squad. Test skipper Tim Paine leads the line and back-up Matthew Wade was chosen as a specialist batsman. With Wade doing well, he is likely to retain his place. It remains to be seen how Carey fits in the side.
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A look at the Australia A squad to face Pakistan
Australia A squad: Alex Carey (captain), Marcus Harris, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Will Pucovski, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Sean Abbott, Riley Meredith.