Darren Lehmann, the Australian coach sternly believes that his side has enough part time resources to accommodate an extra batsman at the expense of leg spinner Fawad Ahmed. Ahmed was expected to make it to the playing XI against West Indies in Dominica, but was left out of the side. Lehmann said that the presence of several part timers and all round options kept Ahmed out.
By the end of the first day, the visitors were 85-3, after dismissing West Indies for a paltry 148. Steve Smith, one of the part timers, struck once while Hazlewood was the pick of the bowlers with 3 wickets.
Lehmann spoke about the bowling options for Australia and said, “We know it spins here traditionally but at the end of the day we thought the three quick options were the best way to go considering we’ve got Smith, Clarke and Voges who can all bowl left-arm spin or wrist spin,” Lehmann said. “So with Lyon we think that gives us enough spin options and with the three quicks it lets us go pretty hard at them.”
“The practice wickets have played pretty well, they’ve taken spin but also had a little bit of carry. We think the option with Smith, Clarke and Voges doing the bowling covers that. It was a really tough decision. Time will tell but we’re really comfortable with that side. Fawad might get his opportunity next Test,” said Lehmann.
Michael Clarke too spoke on the topic and said, “I’ve known Fuzz for a while now. We spent a bit of time together even before he was playing for Australia. He came and bowled to us regularly when we were in Melbourne. I’ve got to know him over the last couple of years. I said in my column today that one of his greatest strengths is his consistency. For a wrist spin bowler to be able to be so consistent is a great strength to have.”
“Fawad is experienced. He knows his strengths, He knows his weaknesses. We speak daily about field settings in different conditions all around the world. I’m confident if he gets an opportunity that he will be able to have success, and we’ll be able to work together to get the appropriate fields to take wickets,” said Clarke.