Jon Holland
Photo Credit: Getty Images.

The international career for an Australian spinner Jon Holland hasn’t been a great one. For almost two years, he has been waiting for a call-up to the national side.

The left-arm orthodox spinner Holland is expected to be part of the Australia A squad which will tour India in September. It will be the first trip to the subcontinent for Holland after his two Tests in 2016. He was part of the Australian squad for the tour of Sri Lanka. He has some good and bad memories from the tour.

It was a surprise call which was followed by a failed renewal of an expired passport before his debut in Galle. Australia suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Islanders.

The 29-year-old Victoria-based cricketer bagged just five wickets at an average of 55. He never earned an international call-up from that time onwards. However, he is hopeful of breaking into the squad anytime soon.

After returning home from that forgetful tour, Holland ruled the preparation process for the series. He felt that a better preparation on spin-friendly subcontinental conditions would have made his debut series a lot better. He feels that he will give a better account of himself if he gets another chance in future tours of Asia.

Read More  Watch: Hardik Pandya pushes away Lasith Malinga as Sri Lanka legend tries to hug Mumbai skipper

The chance is yet to come through. Holland was omitted from the trips of India and Bangladesh respectively where the pitches offered a lot more assistance. He is now eyeing a recall for the two-Test match series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against Pakistan in October.

Moreover, it will be the only subcontinental tour of Australia till 2020. It will be one of the final opportunities for Holland to wear Baggy Green yet again.

Also Read: KL Rahul Cherishes the Moment With Lovebirds

Jon Holland Hopeful to Make a National Comeback During the UAE Tour

Holland hopeful of proving a point or two for Australia A:

Holland is hopeful of proving a point or two with some strong performances during the tour of India A. He knows that only strong performances might pave a way for his return in the national side again.

“The way the series went (in Sri Lanka) was disappointing. It’s always hard when you’re not winning and not performing,” Cricket Australia quoted Holland as saying.

“But I don’t think I’ve got a point to prove to anyone else. It’s just always good to work hard and challenge yourself by going over there and seeing if you can perform in those conditions against good players.

“It’s going to be good to get over there (to India) and try and work out some plans that were brought up on the Sri Lankan trip and see if they work.”

Holland said that he has got to know some of the selection criteria from national selector Trevor Johns. With Ashton Agar in the fray, it will be difficult for Holland to force his way back into the squad.

Read More  Not CSK! Steve Smith names the IPL team that will stay unbeaten in IPL 2024

The conditions in UAE might well suit the spinners quite a lot. Hence, the team management might be tempted to include a  third spinner and that is where the name of Holland pops up. As of now, Agar will be the second-choice spinner after Nathan Lyon.

“Getting picked for South Africa was probably the thing I’d expected the least. But I had a good chat with ‘Cracker’ (Hohns) after the tour and he explained to me where I sat so it’s all very clear to me now,” he said.

Jon Holland wants a specialist spinner’s role in the team: Jon Holland Hopeful to Make a National Comeback During the UAE Tour

“He said if they wanted a specialist spin role, (I’m) the next one behind Nathan. But if they’re looking for an all-round package depending on conditions and team make-up, Ashton is ahead of me. Which is fair enough,” he stated.

 

“Ashton’s a very talented cricketer and is improving all the time. It really just depends on what the selectors are after, if they’re looking for that specialist spinner or an all-round package,” if they’re looking for that specialist spinner or an all-round package,” he concluded.

Also Read: Sri Lankan Trio Suspended by ICC for Two Tests and 4 ODI’s

Read More  Suryakumar Yadav ruled out of IPL 2024 entirely? BCCI's fresh update stuns Hardik Pandya and Co

A Cricket Expert who loves revolving his life around the game. An extremely passionate music lover who loves singing and listening to Arijit Singh songs.