Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood on track for Ashes comeback

Onus will be on the two returning pacers to give Australia an early momentum going into the Ashes

By: Score Keepers |
October 3, 2017 12:09 pm

With the Australian cricket team getting battered in India, all eyes will be on the Ashes team selection. In India, the Australian team has not played to their potential and that has set them back. Australian captain Steve Smith would dearly be hoping for a comeback in the Ashes. The Ashes that is slated to start in the next few weeks, all eyes will be on the Australian selectors to see which team they select. What has really set back the Australian team in India is the fact that their frontline seamers were missing and the second string bowling attack lacked the zip to trouble the Indian batsman. But it seems that their best two pacers who were out of action owing to injuries, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood will most likely return.

That is big news for Smith and Co. and they will hope the news is true. “Whether the fast bowlers play all three of those we’ll wait and see,” said Australian bowling coach David Saker. “Three Shield games to shape the Australian team – it’s going to be good for everybody,” he said.

“James Pattinson’s had a little setback but we’re not sure how bad at the moment. Josh Hazlewood is on track to play the first Test. Mitchell Starc’s going really well and Patty’s obviously flying,” he added.

“The players that play the first three Shield games, if they put their hand up they’re a chance to grab a spot,” Saker said.

“You think the incumbents would be the first chance but I think if some people put some good runs on the board there’s a chance for someone else,” Saker concluded.

Update: How the Aussie quicks are placed ahead of the #Ashes: https://t.co/daHJZLGbg8 pic.twitter.com/9jaKWO6TCy

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) October 3, 2017

With Ashes starting from November 23, it will be quite challenging for the Australian team to get back in shape.