Saturday, April 28, 2012

Risk-free Aussies go for kill against Windies

Updated April 22, 2012 10:49:58

Australia coach Mickey Arthur vowed his team will go for the West Indies' jugular in the third and final Test even if their full throttle assault backfires in Roseau, Dominica.

The tourists have already ensured it will keep the Frank Worrell Trophy it has held for almost two decades after winning the first Test in Barbados and then seeing the rain-hit second match in Trinidad fade out into a draw.

But Arthur says his side will continue their positive approach, which was highlighted by two sporting declarations made by skipper Michael Clarke in the first two Tests.

"I'd rather lose a Test match trying to win it than just play dull cricket, because then you don't learn anything about your players," Arthur said, ahead of the final Test starting at Windsor Park on Monday (local time).

"You want to see players stand up in pressure situations. I'd rather that we went all out to win a game rather than just let a game meander."

Australia faces a selection dilemma after fast bowlers Peter Siddle and James Pattinson were both forced to return home with back injuries.

That means Ryan Harris, man-of-the-match in Barbados before being rested in Port of Spain, may be recalled while left-armer Mitchell Starc could also get the nod if the pitch looks likely to favour pace.

In Trinidad, Australia played two specialist spinners in Nathan Lyon and Michael Beer while paceman Ben Hilfenhaus remains the visitors' top wicket-taker with eight dismissals.

"When you lose two of your quality quick bowlers it does disrupt plans just a little bit," Arthur said.

"They're world-class bowlers so it is a bit of a pity but we cater for that. We felt Ryan needed a break. We're going to have him fit and ready to go and we've got Starc, who has been fantastic all tour, to take his spot if we decide to go with three seamers.

"Lyon was outstanding and Beer did a really good job for us in Trinidad. We've still got the options of going with the seam or going with the spin."

For West Indies, Fidel Edwards, who bowled some excellent spells without luck in Trinidad, has some back soreness.

Ravi Rampaul, who is set to replace him, last played a Test in November 2011. He has been recovering from a bout of dengue fever and a shoulder problem.

AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, dominica

First posted April 22, 2012 10:49:58


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