Australia will need to wait until it sees the SCG surface to determine its Sydney Test line-up but a somewhat typical rainy forecast could cruel Ashton Agar’s hopes of a return.
Coach Andrew McDonald has said he’s comfortable with playing five bowlers – a first for Australia at home since 2013 – and elevating Alex Carey to bat at six.
With Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both sidelined due to finger injuries, and Josh Hazlewood fit to return, McDonald has plenty of options.
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Captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon could be joined by spinning all-rounder Agar, in ideal preparation for the tour of India, while Scott Boland and the so-called new ‘Wild Thing’ in speedster Lance Morris are also in the mix.
While Agar has been viewed as the favourite to earn a fifth Test appearance, having not worn the baggy green since 2017, rain could see the pitch more suited to a four-paceman attack plus Lyon, rather than two spinners.
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“All scenarios are on the table,” McDonald said.
“If we feel as though we need some air-speed, then Lance is the obvious one. The conditions will determine that.
“There are so many options, depending on what the surface offers in terms of the balance of the attack.
“It could be two spinners, two quicks. We could play a slightly more aggressive team, with Alex Carey going to six and play five bowlers.
“Or we could play probably what we’d call a normal structure for Australia where it’s three quicks and one spinner and some part-time spin options (such as Steve Smith) to help out.”
The Aussies have several spin options on hand with former back-up spinner Mitchell Swepson and impressive youngster Todd Murphy pushing their cases in recent times.
In an ideal world McDonald would be able to trial a two-spin line-up before implementing it on the subcontinent when Australia’s four-Test series against India begins in Nagpur on February 9.
If Agar does not play in Sydney, it would be another missed opportunity for him to show his wares.
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“You’re still wanting to pick the right team for the right conditions, you don’t want to play in spite of the conditions in terms of the team you pick,” he said.
“We feel like the left-arm orthodox can be successful in Sydney and also as we venture to the subcontinent.
“Would we like him (Agar) to have more first-class opportunities? There’s no doubt about that. But we feel as though that skillset would fit perfectly in the subcontinent.
“He’s a very mature player now and we feel like if he was to get that opportunity in India or firstly here, that he would be able to step up into that role.”
As for Agar, he told reporters he’d “give it my best crack” if selected for the SCG Test.
But he was also full of support for fellow West Australian Morris.
“He’s an animal. An absolute weapon, to be honest. He’s 6’3”, rooster, bowls 150 km/h, I think everyone would love to see him in the Test team,” Agar said.
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Matthew Renshaw was also added to the Sydney Test squad, providing another batting option.
“I am ready,” Renshaw told AAP when asked about the possibility of a Test re-call last month.
“The last few years I have definitely re-thought about how I go about my cricket.
“The Aussie stuff is important but you can get caught up with your mindset and trying to play for that, rather than just playing for my team and doing well for Queensland.
“That is the big learning I have had, along with enjoying my cricket. If (a Test recall) comes then it comes. It will take care of itself.”
