Perth, Jan 11 (IANS) Australia skipper Steve Smith believes his “inexperienced” bowlers will relish bowling at the WACA and the Gabba grounds, where they will play the first two One-Day Internationals (ODI) of a five-match series against India.
Australia have brought in uncapped pacers Joel Paris and Scott Boland for the ODIs. The first match at WACA is on Tuesday and the second match is on Friday.
“We’ve got a pretty young, inexperienced bowling attack but they’ve all been bowling pretty well and I think it’s a really exciting time for Australian cricket to see these young guys coming through and getting an opportunity,” Smith was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.com on Monday.
“And I’m sure they’re going to relish the opportunity to bowl on places like here and at the Gabba in a couple of days time.”
Speaking about Victoria paceman Boland who impressed selectors with a nine-wicket haul for his state side recently, Smith said: “His death-bowling has been very impressive. I think he hits a yorker as well as anyone at the moment and he has a bit of pace to him so hopefully he can hurry up the Indian batters a little bit.”
“He’s been impressive in the nets in the last couple of weeks. He’s hit the bat very hard and bowled good areas and that’s what you need to do out here at the WACA so hopefully he can do that for us tomorrow.”
Smith also said having the likes of Boland, Josh Hazlewood, James Faulkner and Joel Paris in the squad is a “luxury”.
Paris, who is slated to make his debut on Tuesday is a left-arm seamer who extracts steep bounce, and Smith believes he will also use the breeze to swing the ball and trouble the Indians here.
“He (Paris) has been very impressive in the Matador Cup the last couple of years and this year in the Big Bash, and I look forward to seeing how he’s going,” said Smith.
“It’s a good opportunity for him and some other young quicks around the country so yeah it’s an exciting time for Joel to make his debut here at the WACA.”
“Traditionally, we like playing a left-armer here. They can use the breeze and swing the ball so hopefully he’ll be able to do that for us tomorrow,” he added.
