After two straight losses, Brisbane Heat need all the help they can get.
But that has not stopped coach Darren Lehmann from imploring national selectors to choose his "X-factor" Dan Christian for the Boxing Day Test.
And Lehmann is all but resigned to losing recovering quick Ryan Harris during the four-Test series against India despite lingering fitness issues.
All-rounder Christian was named in the Australian squad for the Boxing Day Test but faces an anxious wait before getting the final nod.
If Shaun Marsh finally overcomes a back complaint he is expected to bat at number three and push Christian out, leaving Australia with just four bowlers against the formidable Indians.
But ex-Test batsman Lehmann selflessly said he would rather see Christian wearing a baggy green than the distinctive teal for the winless Heat in the Big Bash League.
"They should play him. He deserves it," Lehmann said.
"He's that X-factor you need in a side."
Lehmann said the MCG deck must provide assistance if Australia goes with a four-pronged attack.
"It is always hard with only four bowlers - you need an all-rounder in the side," he said.
"India's batting is outstanding. You can get found out if they put on a partnership and you turn to that fifth bowler.
"We will have to bowl well on hopefully a bowler-friendly wicket that has some seam in it.
"That's what we would like to see against India - make sure they are not playing on flat turners like they do at home."
Lehmann believed Harris should be lost to the Heat for the second Test in Sydney, starting on January 3.
He said Harris had pulled up well from Tuesday night's comeback match for the Heat - his first game since pulling out of the tour of South Africa with a hip complaint.
Harris must force his way back via Twenty20 cricket due to the new-look summer schedule.
"But he will do enough bowling and training outside of that (BBL) to get back - I would say in a couple of weeks he will be ready to go," Lehmann said.
Meanwhile, the Heat have called in South African all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe for a four-game stint as cover for Kiwi imports Brendon McCullum and Dan Vettori.
Vettori (hamstring) is set to play the Heat's last three games while McCullum is available for their January 17 clash and the semi-finals if required after a T20 stint with Otago in New Zealand.
Van der Merwe will join the Heat in Perth ahead of their December 29 clash with the Scorchers.
AAP
Tags: sport, cricket, twenty20, brisbane-4000, qld, australia, sa, adelaide-5000, melbourne-3000, vic First posted December 22, 2011 19:06:53
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