Peter Gilbert is again to evaluate how the plethora of Australians taking part in county cricket are performing. We may’ve revealed one thing about England’s gamers, too. Nevertheless, they’re all warming up for the Ashes by taking part in within the IPL as an alternative. Ed Smith can be proud…
Final week’s County Championship spherical as soon as once more noticed a number of Australians in motion within the four-day county recreation.
Two of those, Marcus Harris and Marnus Labuschagne, will quickly be part of the Australian squad that can do battle as soon as extra with England, for the Ashes, later this summer season.
Others, akin to Michael Neser and Peter Handscomb, will likely be hoping their performances will earn them a call-up to the squad ought to replacements be required.
Right here, we evaluate the latest efforts from the Australian cricketers within the County Championship.
Marcus Harris – Gloucestershire
Marcus Harris had a powerful begin to the County Championship season, scoring 59 and 148 in opposition to Glamorgan.
Harris has additionally been awarded an Australian contract, and a spot throughout the check squad for the Ashes.
Opening the batting for Gloucestershire, after Sussex had placed on a powerful 445-5 declared, Harris was set for an excellent rating and had survived early strain to make his approach into the thirties.
Nevertheless, on 37 from 97 balls, Harris pushed the ball into the leg aspect and referred to as for a single.
He wouldn’t make it, as sub fielder Tom Clarke threw down the stumps with a direct hit and ran-out the Australian batter.
To make issues worse, Harris’ dismissal triggered a partial collapse within the Gloucestershire line-up, with James Bracey and Graeme van Buuren getting out in successive deliveries.
Harris may solely add 5 within the second innings, out LBW to Sean Hunt, as Gloucestershire adopted on and had been fortunate to steal a attract a rain-affected fixture.
Total, it was a troublesome spherical for the person trying to safe a spot on the high of the Australian order.
Marnus Labuschagne – Glamorgan
Apart from Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne is arguably the very best profile Australian batter set to participate on this season’s County Championship.
Labuschagne got here into the fixture in opposition to Leicestershire off the again of two poor scores in his first match of the season, in opposition to Durham.
In a excessive scoring fixture, Leicestershire made 407 within the first innings of the sport. Labuschagne contributed 64 from 106 balls as Glamorgan made 465.
The primary batter on this planet, coming in at quantity three for Glamorgan, hit the one six of the away aspect’s innings shortly earlier than being caught within the slips off the bowling of Ed Barnes.
Labuschagne bowled simply seven overs in the whole match, with out taking a wicket, that means his bowling abilities had been unable to make a distinction inside a fixture that finally petered out right into a draw.
Facet be aware: For a really humorous final ball of the match, attempt to discover the hassle delivered by Eddie Byrom on YouTube.
Different noticeable mentions
Labuschagne was not the one Australian in motion at Grace Street. The sport additionally included one other Aussie who may maybe contemplate himself unfortunate to not be part of the Ashes squad. I’m referring, after all, to Michael Neser.
Neser added a decided 90 from 198 balls, batting at 9 for Glamorgan. He additionally opened the bowling and took three wickets total.
For the house aspect, Leicestershire’s Peter Handscomb continued an excellent run of kind to make 95 from 168 balls. He additionally took two catches protecting wicket.
Peter Gilbert
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