SL vs AUS: Jon Holland Might Feature In The Galle Test; Mitchel Starc Is Set To Play

If Jon Holland can recover from a finger injury in time for Australia’s series opener against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday, he has shot into contention for a startling Test recall.

After a lengthy centre-wicket training session, Mitchell Starc was given the all-clear to recover from a cut finger, giving Australia a significant boost.

Starc bowled for the first time since slicing his finger open about three weeks ago without tape, running in for around an hour and managing to hold the ball without the wound reopening.

Travis Head is also making an effort to participate and has finished his fielding and batting duties as officials watch how his hamstring responds on Tuesday before deciding whether or not he plays.

It Is Going To Be A Toss Up Between Mitchell Swepson And Jon Holland

However, with Mitchell Swepson, the current legspinner, and left-arm orthodox Holland fighting for the position, the fourth bowler position appears to be the source of the most disagreement, “We haven’t made that decision, and Mitch Swepson is definitely in the selection frame,” head coach Andre McDonald said.

“We’re talking about the direction the ball is spinning and the value of accuracy of finger spin against wrist spin, which at times can be less accurate. Traditionally, finger spin has done well here, it would be going against the statistics to say it wasn’t. But there also hasn’t been a lot of wrist spin played here,” he further added.

His Test debut in Galle six years ago, when he was called up mid-series as injury cover during Australia’s 3-0 loss, laid the foundation for Holland’s ascent.

After a preparation that was hampered by coming out of a Victorian winter with little bowling support behind him, he got five wickets in two Tests at a strike rate of 54.80. McDonald is certain that this time will be different.

Also Read: India vs Ireland Head To Head Records, IND vs IRE 2nd T20I