Clarke hints at playing two spinners in first Test against Sri Lanka

New South Wales seamer Trent Copeland made a case for himself in the practice match, where Michael Beer and Nathan Lyon were only occasionally able to take advantage of the spin-friendly conditions in their first proper subcontinental outings.

"They're completely different bowlers. Nathan Lyon probably bowls with a lot more loop and gets a lot more shape. Michael Beer bowls a bit faster and gets it into the wicket so they've both got strengths. I'm impressed with both of them," Clarke was quoted as saying by The Age.

"As a combination they're very good together because they're two completely different bowlers. If we have to pick one it's going to be a tough selection," he said.
Clarke, however, said that Copeland would certainly get a look in.

"It definitely puts him in the frame. It's a huge string to his bow … and I think for the team, and I say this with the utmost respect, it's nearly like his lack of pace could be a really good thing for us, because he just nibbles and just wobbles the ball enough that it doesn't come on to the bat," he said.

"He's done everything in his power to put his hand up. He got a few of the players out who are going to be playing in the first Test, so that obviously helps," he said.