My Australian Test Team (2nd Test v Bangladesh 2017)
1- Matt Renshaw – Deserves a chance for the national team. Once he starts making runs, his morale will rise and he will be one of the first picked at test level for the Aussies.
2-David Warner (Captain)- Will benefit from leading the team. A natural leader.
3-Usman Khawaja- Needs the responsibility of at top order spot to grow as a player.
4-Peter Handscomb (Wicket Keeper)- Can handle playing as a wicket keeper at test level. It won’t hamper his batting.
5-Matthew Wade- Batting up the order will benefit him. Needs to gain in confidence to make an impact at international level. Doesn’t have to be a wicket keeper to cement his spot in the test team. Capable of being like Adam Gilchrist as a batsman; Spending enough time at the crease will give the momentum to Australia as he can score runs quickly.
6-Glenn Maxwell- A talented all rounder. A handy bowler. However, needs to prove himself as a batsman at test level.
7-Steven O’Keefe- An obvious choice. Underrated as a batsman. Batting up the order will benefit him and take the pressure off him. Will add versatility with his left arm spin bowling.
8-Nathan Lyon (Vice Captain)- Deserves to be given a leadership role. Was a shining light for the Aussies in the first test. A great person to have in the team, not only a good off spin bowler.
9-Pat Cummins- Deserves a chance to show his wares for Australia. On his day, he can turn a match. Another player who started off playing the shorter form of the game, from playing T20 cricket.
10-Jackson Bird- A fast bowler who deserves a chance to play for the national team.
11-Mitchell Swepson- His youthful exuberance will make the team better. Could be the best leg spinner for Australia since the retirement of the great Shane Warne. Worth taking a chance on, only needs one opportunity to pay dividends for the selectors.