Durban, Oct.29 (ANI): After winning the one-day series against South Africa two games to one, Australian captain Michael Clarke has said that he is encouraged by the domestic form of the seven Test squad members making their way to South Africa for the two-match Test series.
Queensland fast bowler Ryan Harris will touch down in Johannesburg fresh from a career-best Sheffield Shield haul of 7-60 against Tasmania. Harris bowled nearly 35 overs for the match.
The 32-year-old will lead Australia's attack against the Proteas' experienced batting line-up.
The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clarke, as saying: "I'm stoked that 'Rhino's done well, I look forward to seeing all the Test boys. It's nice to see some of the guys make runs and take wickets in preparation for this Test series."
Usman Khawaja looks set to be left out for the first Test in Cape Town, but he's one his selection chances no harm with consecutive centuries for New South Wales in a one-day and Shield game.
Opening batsman Phil Hughes has been another big performer at state level, consolidating his 126 in the last Test in Sri Lanka with domestic scores of 96 in the one-dayer and 61 in the Shield for NSW.
With Harris and Mitchell Johnson near certainties for fast-bowling selection, it's a dogfight between the three other candidates - Peter Siddle, Trent Copeland and Pat Cummins.
Copeland is the steady option and Cummins the exciting rookie, but Siddle might be firming after snaring seven wickets in two matches for Victoria to go with the four-wicket haul he took when brought in for the third Test in Sri Lanka.
Michael Beer has been in decent form with eight wickets from his three most recent state games, as he prepares to challenge incumbent spinner Nathan Lyon.We've got some experience in the team, no doubt, but we've got plenty of youngsters as well, so I think our mix is spot-on at the moment, and we want to try and grow and improve as a team," Clarke said. (ANI)
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