Quantcast

Warner back, Johnson close says coach

Darren Lehmann expects more changes to XI ahead of SCG clash with India

With a place in the Carlton Mid ODI Tri-Series final booked, Australia will look to experiment with their XI in Monday’s Australia Day clash against India at the SCG.

The National Selection Panel was forced to make three changes for yesterday’s tense win over England in Hobart, and more changes are expected as the home side looks to tinker with the make-up of their team in further preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Suspended captain George Bailey will return, as will David Warner who missed Friday’s clash with a sore hamstring, while Mitchell Marsh made 38 off 48 balls for Sydney first grade club side Western Suburbs today, and is expected to be available for selection.

Bupa Support Team head coach Darren Lehmann says with their spot secured for the tri-series final in Perth on February 1, the batting order will experience the biggest shake-up.

“Warner will be fine, he’ll come back in. Watson we’ll just see how he goes at training tomorrow,” said Lehmann in Sydney.

“We want to get everyone 100 per cent fit for the final and the World Cup, so there could be some changes again, and we could bat guys in different positions this game.”

Steve Smith replaced Bailey as captain and Shane Watson at first-drop against England, scoring a match-winning 102 not out to become the first player to score centuries in their captaincy debut in both Test and ODI cricket.

Quick Single: Captain Smith anchors superb Aussie chase

If Watson fails to recover in time for Monday, Smith could retain his position at first drop, and Lehmann is confident his charges can cover all positions and possible scenarios.

“It depends on who we’re playing and where we’re playing,” said Lehmann if Smith would continue to bat at number three.

“And what sort of shape of the side, how many allrounders we have and where we decide to bat them.

“The bonus is he’s (Smith) very flexible, as all our players are and that’s we need in World Cup setup and one-day setup.”

Australia could also welcome back pace spearhead Mitchell Johnson.

The star fast bowler hasn’t played since the Commonwealth Bank Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, and has spent that time recovering from hamstring soreness in Perth.

Whether Johnson will play is still yet to be decided, but Lehmann is thrilled to have his number-one strike bowler back with the squad.

“He’ll be close,” said Lehmann on Johnson’s chances of playing on Monday.

“He’s been bowling and will be full training tomorrow and hopefully available for selection.”

And Australian coach expects Johnson to be back bowling at his extreme pace that slightly dipped during the gruelling Test summer.

“He will be fine now, with that sort of break.

“I’m excited to see how he’s bowling, and that’s the exciting thing and hopefully he’s back to full fitness and full pace.”