Clarke fuels speculation surrounding all-pace attack

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Clarke suggested that Nathan Lyon may make way for Peter Siddle for the first Test which set to get underway on Wednesday night (AEST), given the weather conditions and amount of grass remaining on the pitch. 

The all-pace attack would see Siddle come into the side and accompany Johnson, Starc and Hazlewood, following the retirement of Ryan Harris who suffered a crippling knee injury in the aftermath of Australia’s two tour games. 

The groundsmen in Cardiff have been faced with a dilemma - keep the wicket green and risk having the Australian pace attack roll through a vulnerable English line-up, or take the grass off the pitch and risk having a Test that doesn’t reach the weekend. 

However, the Australians, having backed Shane Watson to take the all-rounder spot, would have a compliment of five quicks and may need to draw on the services of Steve Smith who was tossed the ball in the tour matches against Kent and Essex. 

In an interview with cricket.com.au, Clarke explained his stance on the matter. 

“From what I’ve seen today, and what the groundsman’s telling me, I think we’re going to see some sideways movement from the fast bowlers,” Clarke said. 

“So the selectors, I think they’ll contemplate playing four fast bowlers if the wicket stays like that. 

“As much as I always love having a spinner in the team, you’ve got to pick the best 11 for the conditions,” Clarke said. 

Siddle, 30, has turned up the pressure on the three-pronged attack of Johnson, Starc and Hazlewood, finding form at the right time of the tour. 

“Sidds was unplayable (in the nets on Monday),” Clarke said. 

“No one laid a bat on him. 

“I thought that he was probably the pick of the bowlers in the last tour game, he didn’t get the wickets but I though he as the pick.”

The Australian captain isn’t interested in hiding his hand either, stating openly that he would bowl first if he won the toss on Wednesday night. 

“If the wicket’s how it is today (Tuesday - AEST) and you win the toss, you’d definitely bowl first,” Clarke said. 

“I think both teams would do that.”

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