Australia have had a very average start to the tri-series as they beat West Indies by six wickets with 146 balls remaining, although they couldn’t continue their winning run as South Africa beat Australia by 47 runs.
Australia’s stand-in coach Justin Langer will have a very tough task as he has to take some big decisions, as he is losing sleep in deciding Australia’s XI to take on the Proteas at Basseterre. Selector Trevor Hohns and Langer have their hands full as they look to make changes for the next match.
The now fit Mitchell Starc is all set to make his comeback to the Australian XI after he was rested for the last match against the Africans. Which means that either Adam Zampa or Nathan Lyon may be dropped as Langer might go ahead with only one spinner.
The two of them also have a chance of playing together in the team as Warner Park in Basseterre happens to be a smaller venue, with its wicket offering the two spinners a lot of assistance.
The top order is also not fixed as both Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh have had a rather poor start to the tri-series with the bat. Meanwhile, James Faulkner and George Bailey have also been waiting to get a chance, with soon-to-be debutant Travis Head also looking to stake his claim.
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Langer spoke about Marsh and Maxwell, saying: "You've got to give them every opportunity but you also got to pick the best XI.” He added: "Performance is one thing you look at, different conditions ... we have to be fair and consistent.”
On selecting his preferred XI, he said: "Selection is the hardest part of coaching.You lose sleep at night about it because there are five guys (in the squad) who have to miss out, there's so much depth.”
The former Aussie opener also chipped in regarding the Australian's dismal show with the bat in the last game which saw them bundled over for 142 against South Africa, he said: "It's been the theme.They're all very good players but they have to learn how to adapt.”
Langer, however individually praised David Warner, Aaron Finch and Nathan Lyon saying, "The great players adapt to different environments, different conditions, different opposition and different formats."
Although the former Australian batsman is only on a temporary role, as current coach Darren Lehmann is on a temporary break, the interim coach is not averse to making tough decisions as he said: "That's what you get put into a position of responsibility for, that's what we're here to do."
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