Australia's need for speed - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Australia's need for speed

09/12/2004 06:49:49 PM Comments (0)

A moist Gabba wicket has Australia considering unleashing all four front-line pacemen against New Zealand to claim the inaugural Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

But chief selector Trevor Hohns staunchly denied the series decider would double as a "bowl-off" between Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz for next week's first Test against Pakistan in Perth.

Five days of rain in Brisbane and the high likelihood of more before the day-night match has enhanced Kasprowicz's prospects of a return to the side following his nightmare 22-run over in Melbourne on Sunday.

The Queenslander was rested in Wednesday night's thrilling 17-run win over the Black Caps at the SCG where Lee, albeit expensive with the new ball, again bowled with pace and fire.

The Australian and NZ selectors won't decide upon their starting XIs until the last minute after the wet weather forced Gabba curator Kev Mitchell Jr to switch pitches during the week.

The conditions will prompt one of the most intriguing Australian selection meetings in recent times for a one-day match.

If all four quicks play - as they did in the ICC Champions' Trophy semi-final loss to England in September - it could come at the expense of in-form spinner Brad Hogg, man of the match at the SCG.

Queensland all-rounder Shane Watson, who bowls in the mid-130s kph range could also be recalled, primarily as a fourth or fifth quick.

Hohns said the decision to play Lee, Kasprowicz, Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie together would not be made until the wicket was assessed just before play.

"I know it's been raining but it's a matter of having a look at the pitch and seeing what the conditions are like tomorrow," he said.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news