JOIN USAustralia, who usually name their playing eleven before a match, are unlikely to reveal their side well ahead of the first Ashes Test against England beginning on Wednesday at Trent Bridge.
“I think that’s a real advantage for us,” new Australia coach Darren Lehmann was quoted as saying by ‘The Daily Telegraph’ on Sunday.
Shane Watson and Chris Rogers are expected to open the batting but captain Michael Clarke has refused to confirm that.
One could also see Clarke batting at number four, a place higher than where he has been most successful. He scored 124 off 98 balls at number four in a warm-up game against Worcester. “We’ve spoken about five and four but where he bats, that is his (Clarke’s) decision,” Lehmann said.
Clarke, on his part, said he was open to changing his batting position.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said I’d prefer to be at five,” said Clarke. “I’ve batted four my whole career in first-class cricket, batted five for Australia the past couple of years, and had a bit of success there, but I’ve said for a long time I’ll bat wherever suits the team.”