The Story
Nathan Coulter-Nile has earned his place back in the ODI side after struggling hard with injuries. The last 12 months have been tough for him. He was out of action for the entire last Australian summer due to a severe back problem. Before that, he had to deal with injuries involving shoulder and hamstring.
The 29-year-old need a more than fitness and form to enter the side as the presence of star players like Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood cut out his chances. But, luck favoured his case this time, and a call-up arrived at a time when he was desperately waiting for a chance.
Eyeing a Test Cap
The fast bowler has made this opportunity count in a great way. So far, he happens to be the best bowler in the side with nine wickets in four games at an average of 23. But, the fact which has got him the spotlight is his head to head dominance over star batsman Virat Kohli whom he had dismissed three times in four matches.
Coulter-Nile now has crucial factors likes fitness format and effectiveness in his favour and can surely look forward to winning his maiden call-up to the Test side when the selectors sit down to pick the Ashes squad.
While he remains as the least possible choice as of now due to the presence of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson, the injury issues surrounding these four-star pacemen can open up a door of opportunity for Test selection.
Teammate Kane Richardson has revealed Coulter-Nile has pushed for a Test selection with these performances.
“He’s been amazing. He’s been amazing getting Kohli out three out of the four games. He’s pushing his case for higher honours in Test cricket this year, I think. If there’s any injuries or you’re resting and rotating, he’s probably the next one in,” Richardson said after Australia’s breakthrough 21-run win in Bengaluru on Thursday.