Coach Mickey Arthur has veered away from the mouth-watering prospect of unleashing Australian pace duo James Pattinson and Pat Cummins on England in Friday’s one-day series opener at Lord’s.
The young speedsters have emerged as major drawcards for the five-match series which doubles as a teaser for next year’s Ashes series.
In their brief opportunities on Australia’s weather-affected tour of the United Kingdom, Pattinson and Cummins have shown enough to suggest they would be a handful in England’s swing-friendly conditions.
Arthur was lukewarm on the idea of the pair combining for Australia for the first time this week at the home of cricket but predicted all six touring paceman to be used in the series.
“You never say never,” Arthur said.
“They’ve all got a real good chance of playing and I’d be surprised if we went through the whole series without all our quicks having a go. So they’ll get opportunities.
“We’ve got to start with experience. We’ve got to start with what we know and then see how it evolves.”
Australia’s selectors have had a limited opportunity to gauge the form of Australia’s pacemen because of the bad weather in lead-up matches in Leicester and Belfast.
From a possible 200 overs, Australia have played just over 80 before Tuesday’s final warm-up match against Essex in Chelmsford.
Brett Lee made a super start to his tour with two wickets in the opening three balls against Ireland while Clint McKay returned the best figures against Leicestershire.
Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus must impress in the nets in the coming days to be a chance of playing on Friday.
Arthur said Australia would be looking to play their strongest side against Essex and that he was more concerned about the disrupted preparations of the batsmen.
“Our bowlers have had a good hit-out, and you can always manufacture it for bowlers through your training,” he said.
“But batters are a little different, batters need time in the middle.
“So we’ll look to probably playing the outfit that’s going to play the first ODI against Essex, or very close to it.”
George Bailey missed Saturday’s clash in Ireland with a minor groin strain and will be looking to prove his fitness this week.
The forecast for Tuesday’s tour match is largely dry and sunny.
