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Justin Langer admits uncertainty over Australia's top six

hadi123

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Justin Langer says several batting spots up are up for grabs ahead of Australia's Test series against Pakistan in UAE in October.

With Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft all serving bans for their roles in the ball-tampering controversy, Australia's coach is hoping the next cabs off the rank will push their case for selection during the 'A' tour of India in September.

The Marsh brothers – Shaun and Mitchell, who will captain the 'A' tour – appear shoo-ins, but Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Kurtis Patterson and Matt Renshaw will be under the microscope in India and aiming to prove their credentials in spin-friendly conditions.

"It's unprecedented," Langer told the Weekend Australian. "We're going to wait until probably a week before the UAE tour to select the [Test] team. Do we know the best six batsmen in Australia? The answer is 'no'.

"It’s two-fold with India and Australia A. One, we want to see who performs under pressure and two, we want to start to get some continuity in our side where possible, but we also need to reward performance, not just talent.”

Three months into his role as head coach, having replaced Darren Lehmann in May, Langer admits the job has given him sleepless nights.

“It’s the first time in my adult life I’ve woken up in the middle of the night,” he said. “I did it a few times in England. I’ve done it a few times since I’ve been home. It’s bizarre but hopefully as I start getting my feet under the table and I start knowing who I trust around my new team of people at Cricket Australia, hopefully I start sleeping better."

Australia will be targeting a first Test series win in Asia for seven years when they arrive in UAE, their most recent victory coming against Sri Lanka in 2011.

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/819654
 
More I read the reports from the Aussie camp, more it looks like nothing series for Australia. Pakistan should look to win big
 
The only established player of spin in the current lineup is Shaun Marsh which tells you how poor their current Test lineup is. Khawaja is a bunny against spin.

Renshaw has the most potential IMO to succeed in spinning wickets.
 
More I read the reports from the Aussie camp, more it looks like nothing series for Australia. Pakistan should look to win big
Pakistan might struggle if they don’t go in with two quality spinners. A finger spinner in UAE is necessary.
 
Pakistan might struggle if they don’t go in with two quality spinners. A finger spinner in UAE is necessary.

Exactly , that is why they lost to lanka.

I agree with your wider point about the need for a second spinner, but Pakistan lost that series because of bad batting (and maybe a bit of bad luck with the tosses).
 
I agree with your wider point about the need for a second spinner, but Pakistan lost that series because of bad batting (and maybe a bit of bad luck with the tosses).
With Shadab or Faheem, the batting has much needed depth now
 
Foreign coaches > Desi Coaches for Indian team.

Do you really feel kohli would allow Foreign coaches? i doubt he would looking at way he kicked kumble. He needs Yes Man :ravi not coach but he needs to understand if he don't need that doesn't mean others don't need coach too.
 
Where's ever smiling George Bailey ?

George may get a look in the LOI formats, where his record is better.

I think for tests, selectors are generally looking more long term to see what slightly younger player might put their hand up and fill a longer term spot.

All tests are important and we are not writing this series off, but a younger player from the A series will be given a chance first. If things are a total shambles, perhaps George or cameron White or some other experienced player will be called in to save things then.

S. Marsh & Paine are considered reasonably experienced (state captains, ODI experience etc) & M. Marsh is basically a mainstay of the side when fit. They'll want to see who can grab a chance around them.

Usman & Matt Renshaw most likely but it's basically a shootout in this India A series- best form wins a spot.
 
They just need to get there best team on the pitch asap and they will be fine.
 
I agree with your wider point about the need for a second spinner, but Pakistan lost that series because of bad batting (and maybe a bit of bad luck with the tosses).

Two spinners is Must plus harris , Azhar can bowl some part time.

Make no doubts , Pakistan playing two spinners will get Aussies for cheap totals.
 
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