Beaten by pace

One look at the top Pura Cup wicket takers for the 07/08 season isn’t a pleasant sight for selectors looking for our next spinner. 9 out of the top 10 wicket takers are pace bowlers with the only spinner in the fast bowling club is McGain, a 35 year old leggie who has 20 wickets. Sounds like a great prospect, just a shame he’s nearly the same age as MacGill and Hogg. He’s the only spinner who has been dominating the domestic scene this year, with Test Match quality pace bowlers dominating the bowling cards.

Surely Australia must have a decent experienced spinner in the queue to play for Australia? Ever heard of 26 year old Queensland spinner Daniel Doran? I wouldn’t blame you if you haven’t heard of him. The leg-spin bowler took 15 wickets last year in his debut series at an average of 28. This leggie has the ability to spin the ball along way, and if he can learn to put the ball in the right spots and trouble batsmen over the next few years he might find himself in contention.

What about Cameron White? Nah, who are we kidding? Cameron White has turned into more of a batting all-rounder over the past few years. His spin bowling is average at best and should concentrate on his batting.

Dan Cullen, 23, is my favourite. The off spinner from South Australia has the ability to bowl a good doosraand can spin the ball nicely with his stock ball. Has had a slow start to this season, but most Offies have.

25 year old off spinner Nathan Hauritz has played a bit of Test Match cricket before picking up a 5 wicket haul in India but I’m afraid to say he’s seems to have just gone backwards over the past few years. His One Day bowling for NSW has been good but he has struggled to keep his position in the 4 day game. Hopefully he can mature in the next few years and then he might be a good chance.

22 year old Cullen Bailey has had a good start to his career and could be the next man in the job. But he still has a lot to learn and like Hauritz probably isn’t ready.

Chinaman 25 year old Beau Casson is the long shot for the job. He’s got a lot to learn about his stock ball and his variations and getting on top of batsmen.

As you can see, the main spinners in the domestic scene apart from McGain are only 22-26 with the best option 23. In 2 years time Cullen with be 25, probably still 3-4 years away from his best but I think he will be the top of the spin bowlers on the Australian Domestic scene.

I’m just glad I’m not a selector. Have fun with this task boys.