Australian chairman of selectors George Bailey said that Mitchell Swepson is potentially in line for a baggy green at the New Year’s Test in Sydney next week, should the conditions suit.
Swepson, who has remained in the squad during the first three Tests and also toured with the T20 World Cup-winning side earlier this year, is yet to make a debut for Australia in either ODI or Test cricket, and has appeared seven times for the T20 side over the past four years.
The Queensland leggie is considered by many to be the logical successor to Nathan Lyon as Australia’s first choice spinner, but the latter’s form of late means Swepson could be waiting a bit longer than first thought.
READ MORE: Mark Taylor’s player ratings from the MCG Ashes Test
READ MORE: Huni fight in doubt after positive COVID test
READ MORE: Black Caps great announces retirement
That is, of course, unless Australia go with two slow bowlers at the SCG, which Bailey said could be an option.
“If the conditions suit, we’d love to give Sweppo a crack,” Bailey told reporters.
“We’ve got no doubt, whether it’s the SCG or sometime in the future, that Sweppo is ready. We love having him around the group and love everything he’s bringing.”
The 28-year-old has been a mainstay in both the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat teams since his first class debut in 2015, including a hat trick during the 2019-20 Sheffield Shield season.
“His cricket gets better and better, and he’s a great young leader, so we’d love nothing more than for him to get an opportunity, but it’ll be conditions-dependent,” Bailey said.
Former Test skipper Mark Taylor backed the call to give Swepson a chance for the fourth Test.
“Australia has got the essence of a good side going forward. They need to find a suitable replacement in years to come for Nathan Lyon,” he said.
“Maybe that is Mitch Swepson, and maybe they even give Swepson the next Test match.
“You never like to see Test matches used as trial games, but it will be interesting to see if Mitch Swepson comes into consideration for Australia for the next Test.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!