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Australian mentor Darren Lehmann is staring down an agonizing fortnight of variety dilemmas following his side’s crushing 1st-Check victory above the West Indies.
The hosts only needed to bat when in Hobart as the West Indies had been dispatched by an innings and 212 operates, with Australia’s often-criticised middle order creating a wealth of operates to silence the doubters.
But with Usman Khawaja pushing to be suit in time for boxing working day, Lehmann and the assortment panel will have some hard calls to make.
“It is heading to be tough to change, but if Usman is fit then we have to change,” Lehmann informed Grandstand following engage in.
“We have to function out if he opens, if he bats three and (Steve) Smith goes to 4, whether or not Shaun Marsh stays in, whether Mitch Marsh stays in.
“We have received to look at the wicket, operate out who’s match and who’s not, and work out what the very best six is.”
“It’s genuinely tough, but it truly is a pleasing difficulty to have.”
Captain Steve Smith appeared noticably restricted in the field on working day 3 as he battles hip and knee grievances, but he is predicted to take his area in Melbourne.
Khawaja has already been extra to Australia’s squad for the Boxing Working day Take a look at at the MCG, even though spinner Steven O’Keefe will turn out to be a component of the squad for the closing Take a look at of the summertime in Sydney.
But although O’Keefe’s variety in Sydney will stay up in the air, a suit Khawaja will certainly be provided in each matches.
It is going to be challenging to alter, but if Usman is match then we have to change. It’s a satisfying dilemma to have.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann
Shaun Marsh, the guy who replaced Khawaja following he pulled a hamstring in opposition to New Zealand in Perth, would have been the most likely applicant to make way ahead of this Take a look at.
But a profession-ideal knock of 182, and a file-breaking center buy partnership with Adam Voges, will make him amazingly challenging for Lehmann to drop.
“It truly is tough to fall someone who makes 182,” he stated.
“The way he performed was beautiful, he was under force early. The huge tick was his next innings in Adelaide from NZ when we were chasing that overall.
“We know he’s a course player, he just has to get that belief. He’s produced his initial hundred now (in Australia) so he’s up and operating.”
Australia’s complete acquire has previously been mostly overshadowed by the bad displaying from the touring West Indians, who had been humiliated with bat and ball in Hobart.
But Lehmann claims Australia will continue being wary of a “harmful” group, who he expects to respond in Melbourne.
“They failed to play as properly as they would have preferred in this sport, there is no doubt about that, but we spoke about their bowling attack being dangerous at a variety of occasions, and they were most likely off their game here” he mentioned.
“Boxing Working day, Melbourne Examination match is large once again, and I am certain they will appear back again hard.
“You attempt not to let groups enjoy properly towards you, and that is what we appear to do actually specifically at residence.”
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