Jack Edwards has been called up to the Australia ODI squad as Stanlake goes home. Will he make his debut?
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Imagine you’re in the middle of a cricket match in India when your phone goes off. ‘Pack your bags, you’re going to South Africa!’ That’s exactly what happened to Jack Edwards, the young Australian allrounder, who has been called up to the ODI squad.
Why Has He Been Called Up?
Because that’s what they do when a player gets injured. Billy Stanlake, a fast bowler, has left the tour with an injury. He got a pain in his side while bowling the fifth over against Zimbabwe. He will have a scan to determine whether he can continue playing or not.
Australia won the series 3-0, and the final match was a thrilling one-wicket win over Zimbabwe on Sunday!
There were some other changes
- Billy Stanlake: Tour with side strain (out of the next match)
- Spencer Johnson: Not injured, on the park, will not play in South Africa
- Jack Edwards: In as a replacement
Who is Jack Edwards?
Edwards is an allrounder from New South Wales, which means he can both bat and bowl. Here is some more info about him:
- He was playing for Australia A in India when he got the call of his lifetime
- He has recently stepped down as the captain of NSW to focus on his game
- He made his international debut in the T20 series against Pakistan this year
- And he still has not made his ODI debut for Australia, till now!
Reports say that he will be in line to make his ODI debut against South Africa soon enough!
What Does It Mean For The Team?
Well, the good news is that Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, the two main fast bowling stars of Australia, will join the squad in South Africa. This gives the fast bowling attack a much-needed boost.
The three matches are scheduled to be held in Durban (this Thursday, 24 th September), Johannesburg and Potchefstroom.
The Test series will follow after the ODIs. And, as expected, the fast bowling attack will most probably alternate throughout the series, so as to give every bowler enough rest.
Josh Hazlewood, for example, has played only one match in Zimbabwe before the series began. The same will probably be done for other fast bowlers so that they do not suffer any muscle damage.
Why Hasn’t Mitchell Marsh Been Called Up?
The call-up for Edwards suggests that he can play as an allrounder. That is, he can bat and bowl at the same time, which allows much more flexibility in the batting and bowling order. He can fill up any position that is required.
Cameron Green was injured in the Zimbabwe series with a sore shoulder, and Edwards has come in handy as his replacement. Cummins and Starc will give the team a much-needed attacking boost with their pace and skill.
The Opportunity Of A Lifetime
The call-up for Edwards could not have come at a better time. One unfortunate injury and Edwards has already made it to the ODI squad. Whether he will debut in Durban or not, we shall have to wait and watch. But one thing is for sure – he has taken a step closer to his dream.
What would you do if you were in the position of Edwards? Would you debut in the first match of the series?
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