Steve O’Keefe reckons they are in their “best place ever to go to India”; Todd Murphy impresses Nathan Lyon
Andrew McGlashan06-Dec-2022It’s been a productive few weeks for spin in Australian first-class cricket. At Test level, Nathan Lyon’s six-wicket haul in Perth helped secure the opening match against West Indies, while on the domestic front there has been a window provided into what is bubbling along just below, which is significant with Australia having a tour to India in a couple of months.The Sheffield Shield has now entered its mid-season break with the BBL starting next week and running through to early February, so it feels like a suitable moment to reflect on where things stand. Not so long ago, there was a bit of concern in the game when the question was posed – if not Lyon, then who?Related
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His 446 Test wickets are a critical part of Australia’s bowling, and you still wouldn’t want to have to replace him overnight, but over the next few years, an orderly transition could be possible – not that Lyon shows any inclination of going anywhere – and in the shorter term, there is an increasing pool of candidates to supplement him.A look at this season’s Sheffield Shield leading wicket-takers would not immediately suggest a bountiful time for spinners, with the top nine places taken by quicks. But then there are some interesting names that emerge.The one everyone is talking about is Victoria’s offspinner Todd Murphy (14 wickets at 17.71). With another three wickets against West Indies for the Prime Minister’s XI to add to that and he could be vaulting towards Australia contention. Just above him is Western Australia’s Corey Rocchiccioli (16 at 26.31). Benjamin Manenti (14 at 31.92) then follows along with the surprise package of Chris Green (12 at 12.83). One of the most promising legpsinner in the country, Tanveer Sangha, has not played yet this season due to a stress fracture of the back.Steve O’Keefe, the former Australia spinner who played his last first-class season in 2019-2020, had previously voiced concerns for the next generation of spinners but is now much more confident in what is emerging.”I think a lot’s changed in 12-18 months,” he told ESPNcricinfo. “Think Tanveer Sangha is going to be such a super talent for Australia in all forms. You’ve got Mitchell Swepson who has been a project player for a long time, then you’ve got Matt Kuhnemann, Ben Manenti, [Adam] Zampa’s back playing, Rocchiccioli, I really like his attributes, and that’s not to mention Murphy, [Ashton] Agar and [Jon] Holland.”I think we are in our best place ever to go to India…there’s actually a really strong pool of players. You’ve got so many choices which is so exciting to see. I think Australia’s spin-bowling depth is so good, and it’s nice and refreshing to say that because it hasn’t been for a long time.”