Australian spinners won’t be able to access the specialist spin-coach in the upcoming historic series against Pakistan, starting from March 4. The issue began with their consultant Sridharan Sriram unable to secure a visa for the country.
So far, the Australians will be coming along with their three specialist spinners in; Nathan Lyon, Mitch Swepson, and Ashton Agar but it seems like the trio won’t be able to get access from their consultant Sridharan Sriram if things go south on the field.
Sriram has worked with the Australian team since 2016, and he has played eight one-day Internationals for India from 2000 to 2004.
The 46-year-old, who lives in India, would have been a first choice consultant but the sources knowing the situation have told the Herald that Sriram was unable to secure the Visa for the country, which is Australia is visiting since 1998.
The Australian chairman of the selectors, George Bailey has confirmed that Sriram won’t be going along the squad but also made sure that it is not a big concern.
“I know Sri would have loved to come,” Bailey said.
“There were a few challenges there. The beauty of the modern world is you can keep in pretty good contact. Knowing Sri, he won’t miss a ball of that [series]. He’ll be in good contact with the spin group.”
Cricket Australia was in discussions with the former New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori to take the series as an interim coach but it seems unlikely that he will link up with the group.
Given Pakistan’s conditions, it seems very possible that Australia may play with two or more spinners in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi Test but it is ironic to think that the spinners will not be able to get advice from a coach when needed.
The biggest problem could arise when Sriram will not be able to pass the news during the play as he is only allowed to deliver the information before or after the play, according to the ICC rules.
Sriram would be able to get in touch with the players via zoom meetings for spin bowling concerns only times outside the play.
Lyon’s experience in the sub-continent would serve him well but Swepson, who may have his debut match in Rawalpindi can use the same words of advice from the coach. And Sriram had a positive impact on Agar during their work together.
The Australians have not hinted so far regarding the pitches of Pakistan due to the lack of cricket in the country in the past decade and they will be making plans after arriving this weekend before the start of the first Test.
Meanwhile, some big names from Australia have been rested for the white-ball tour including the likes of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and David Warner who will return to Australia on March 25 after the conclusion of the third Test to miss the three ODIs and one T20I at Rawalpindi.
Australian white ball squad for matches in Pakistan
Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa.
Test players Travis Head, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith have been included in the white ball squad, but the omission of Australia’s first-string Test bowlers has raised some eyebrows.
“We’re pumped that we’ve got a full squad for the Test series, that’s really exciting,” Bailey said.
“There is no doubt it’s a pretty intense schedule … it’s about working with those individuals with the squad as a whole to make sure you’re trying to meet the needs of everyone. This squad was a bit of a challenge.”
“Those players who aren’t coming on this white ball component won’t be available until that last fixture in Pakistan [finishes], which is April 5,” Bailey said.