JOIN USWith five frontline players absent through injury, Australia captain Michael Clarke will dole out at least three baggy green caps to debutants in Brisbane on Thursday before the first of two Tests against their trans-Tasman rivals.
One of those caps is almost certain to go to David Warner, who is set to open the batting at the Gabba in place of injured all rounder Shane Watson, with fast bowlers Mitchell Starc, James Pattinson and Ben Cutting also jockeying to play their maiden Tests.
One of the pace trio is likely to miss out with Clarke hinting strongly on Wednesday that finger spinner Nathan Lyon, a five-Test ‘veteran’, would get his chance in a bowling unit alongside the relatively experienced quick Peter Siddle.
With pace bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris all among the injured, Clarke expects the newcomers to make the most of their opportunity in the first match under the stewardship of new South African coach Mickey Arthur.
“All I’ve asked of the guys who’ll be making their debut tomorrow is to play their way and be confident in their ability,” Clarke told a news conference in Brisbane on Wednesday. “It doesn’t matter how you get your chance as a player, it’s about grabbing it with both hands and I think all the guys available to make their debut are seeing it exactly like that,” the 30-year-old added.
Australia have not lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988 nor to New Zealand since 1993 but the Black Caps have been exuding a quiet confidence that they do have a chance of ending their 26-year winless streak.
“Experience-wise, it will be one of the weakest,” New Zealand captain Ross Taylor said of the Australia team. “We definitely feel we can beat this Australian team.”