Hauritz still sees need for spinner at ‘green top’ Gabba

SYDNEY - Australian off-spinner Nathan Hauritz remains convinced that the selectors will opt for a spinner in the first Ashes Test against England to be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from November 25 despite yesterday’s pace onslaught on a Gabba green top that yielded 29 of 30 wickets for the quicks.

Hauritz, the stand-in New South Wales skipper, bowled just two overs in a Sheffield Shield match that he had desperately hoped would be a showcase for his skills on the Brisbane surface, but his fast bowlers fired through Queensland’s batting order before he got the chance.

Asked if his lack of overs would impact his chances of selection for the Ashes opener, Hauritz told the Herald: “No, not at all, you just have to assess on the day. Selectors will have a look at the wicket, the conditions, and if they think they don’t need the spinner, they’ll go in with that attack. I don’t think it matters what happens in Shield cricket.”

“It’s been like that the last 15 years; games over in two or three days and they’ve always taken a spinner into the Test at the Gabba. I reckon they’ll just assess and go from there,” he added.

The Queensland native is fighting to hold his spot in the Australian Test team following a lean tour of India, although he is still favoured as the spinner ahead of New South Wales rivals Steven Smith and Stephen O’Keefe.

Selectors could opt for an all-out pace attack, with the Gabba curator Kevin Mitchell not ruling out a repeat of these conditions for the Ashes opener on November 25.

England are already struggling with the extra bounce, with their spinner Graeme Swann injuring his hand after being struck during batting practice in Perth yesterday, although it is a minor complaint.

The tourists are well aware they must adjust quickly to the more pace-friendly conditions here. (ANI)