Michael Clarke hints that Trent Copeland could make his Test debut against Sri Lanka on Wednesday
By Peter Lalor
The Australian August 29
Captain and selector Michael Clarke has given every indication that Trent Copeland is in line to make his Test debut against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, but says he is not sure if Usman Khawaja has confirmed his place in the side ahead of Shaun Marsh.
The tall 25-year-old medium-pacer came into the touring squad with a swag of first-class wickets for NSW and was the most impressive bowler in the three-day tour match.
Copeland took 87 wickets in just 17 games for his state and then took 6-61 from 28 frugal overs in the tour game.
"It definitely puts him in the frame," Clarke said.
"Again, I have to wait and see conditions but I think he's done everything in his power to put his hand up.
"He got a few of the players out who are going to be playing in the first Test, so that obviously helps.
"And I like that he hasn't come in and tried to do too much. He's done what he's been doing for NSW for the last few years now.
"I think that takes courage as a first-class player when you come into the Australian team to not try and do anything different. Full credit to him."
Clarke who is one of three selectors on tour, was impressed with Copeland's economy.
"Yeah, it is very important, because what it allows you to do is build pressure from one end and attack a little bit more from the other," Clarke said. "It's a huge string to his bow, to be honest."
Clarke also thought his modest speed was an asset.
"I say this with the ultimate respect -- it's nearly like his lack of pace could be a really good thing for us, because he just nibbles and just wobbles the ball enough that it doesn't come on to the bat," he said.
"Sidds (Peter Siddle), Ryno (Ryan Harris) and Mitch (Mitchell Johnson) who are bowling 140ks, kiss the wicket and come on quite quick."
Clarke said the only thing that would probably stop Copeland making his debut was if the Australians played two spinners.
The wicket at Galle is one of those where two spinners is an option and Clarke refused to rule out using left-arm orthodox Michael Beer and off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
"I think it was good for both of them to play this game. I thought they bowled really well as a combination," Clarke said.
"You've just got to see the conditions, I think that's probably the fairest way. I need to see what the pitch is like and we the selectors need to work out what's our best XI to try to win the game."
Clarke revealed that Shane Watson had not been rested as first thought and he was due to play in the tour match but got sick on the morning of the game.
If the all-rounder had played it might have meant that either Marsh or Khawaja - the two batsmen most believe are competing for the No 6 position - would not have played.
Clarke, who himself made an undefeated 100 in the tour match, refused to be drawn on who would have missed out and also refused to confirm that Khawaja's chanceless century opening the batting in the first innings had given him an edge over Marsh who made 12.
"I don't know, I'm not sure," the captain said.
"He's another one who grabbed a hold of his opportunity and that's all you can do.
"Obviously he hasn't made too many runs leading into this three-day game in the Australia A set-up, in county cricket and the back-end of NSW.
"He's another one who has put his hand up and said 'give me a chance'.
"I also thought Sos (Marsh) did in that first one-dayer he played, when he made 70 and creamed them.
"He played the spin really well.
Marsh was in favour for the No 6 position as Khawaja was seen as a top-order specialist but the latter was impeccable in the tour game and he did replace Ricky Ponting in last summer's Sydney Test against England.
