New Delhi, September 2: Cricket Australia (CA) has included fast bowler Billy Stanlake in the Australian team for the upcoming ODI series against Zimbabwe and South Africa. There are indications that he may soon get an opportunity in Test cricket as well.
CA’s chief selector, George Bailey, stated, “We are certainly serious about Stanlake. We are not rushing things. He has played very little red-ball cricket recently. However, given his skills, I believe he can carve out a place in the Test format. This is something we will explore soon. He truly impressed during the tour of Pakistan. We may need an additional fast bowler in India early next year.”
In a career affected by injuries, Stanlake has never played more than four first-class matches in a single season. Last summer, he played three times for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield, taking nine wickets at an average of 26.88. He has a first-class bowling average of 26.92 with a total of 40 wickets.
The 31-year-old right-arm fast bowler plays domestic cricket for Queensland. Since his debut for Australia in January 2017, he has participated in 8 ODIs and 19 T20 matches, claiming 7 wickets in ODIs and 27 in T20s.
In 13 first-class matches, Stanlake has taken 40 wickets. Additionally, he has captured 59 wickets in 48 List A matches. His performance during the Zimbabwe and South Africa series will determine if he secures a spot in Australia’s red-ball team.
As the current pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and captain Pat Cummins ages, CA aims to build a pool of additional fast bowlers. Stanlake could be a key name in that strategy.
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