Shane Warne, Michael Clarke push for leg spinner on India tour

Former Australian cricketers Shane Warne and Michael Clarke have recently come out with an opinion of drafting in a leg-spinner in the national squad for the tour of India. Both players want a leggie in the team that will tour India next month. The Aussies are scheduled to play a 4-match Test series against the No.1 Test team.

While Nathan Lyon remains to be the first choice spinner for the team, Steve O’Keefe has emerged as a top contender as the second spinner. However, Clarke mentioned that he would like to see a leg-spinner like Mitchell Swepson or Adam Zampa in the side. While commentating for Channel Nine Network, Clarke said, “I’d like Australia to take a left-arm spinner, and then a leg-spinner like an Adam Zampa or Swepson.”

He further added that having a leggie will only help skipper Steve Smith with more options. Having three spinners in India sounds like a good prospect for the former Aussie skipper.

“I think what selectors will want is to give Steve Smith options in India. I think the quicks are still going to play a part with the brand new ball and reverse swing. But I’d like to see a different spin bowler in India. I’d like to see them take a leggie as the third option,” added Clarke.

Also read- Eoin Morgan rates BBL as the best T20 tournament in the world

Mitchell Swepson in a 23-year-old leg spinner from Queensland has played two first-class seasons thus far. Adam Zampa, on the other hand, has experience in the limited-overs for Australia but is yet to get his Test cap. Leg-spin legend Shane Warne also continued to speak on the same lines. Incidentally, Warne wanted to see Swepson in the line-up for the third Test against Pakistan. But that did not happen.

“When I look at the spinners, Nathan Lyon’s definitely number one for me. I think O’Keefe is the safe option. I think young Swepson could’ve played in this Test match,” quoted Shane Warne.

Talking about Swepson, he remarked that many people might not be in favor of Swepson because of his inexperience. However, he noted that even he had very less experience when he was drafted in the national side. Moreover, having a leggie in the side gives the option of playing him in the nets at least.

Also read- Piers Morgan praised Kevin Pietersen and was trolled immediately

“People might say he’s not ready, he hasn’t played enough. I just think back at my own career. I wasn’t ready for Test cricket either, but the experience helped me for the rest of my career. I think you play left-arm orthodox, you’ve then got the number one spinner, and then the wristy in Swepson. But even if he doesn’t play, he’s around the group and he bowls in the nets,” concluded Shane Warne.