Aussies set for pace dilemma in Ashes

Selectors have never been able to pick Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson in the same Test squad, but that could change soon.

Australia's dream pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson could become a reality in this year's Ashes.

And, based on the way Cummins bowled in India during the past fortnight, England might have to combat the "fear" factor that Mitchell Johnson generated so effectively and memorably in 2013-14.

"You saw it (in Ranchi and Dharamsala) - they fear Pat Cummins. Most teams will when you're bowling high octane, swing it both ways, then bowl short when you like," Australian coach Darren Lehmann said.

Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins and Pattinson have excited fans and selectors in recent years, showing immense potential at international level.

They've never been fit and firing at the same time, but that could change come November 23 when the much-anticipated series between Australia and England starts at the Gabba.

"You'd love to have them selected together," Lehmann said.

"You've still got to get the right balance to get 20 wickets.

"It's exciting times for Australian cricket ... you'd love to have all four available but then you've got depth. Jackson Bird has been excellent."

Starc remains sidelined by a stress fracture in his right foot, but the left-armer could be fit in time for Australia's Champions Trophy campaign that starts in June.

Hazlewood is reaping the rewards of overlooking the Indian Premier League in recent years, while Pattinson had made himself unavailable for the tour of India but put in a couple of eye-catching performances for Victoria.

Cummins is yet to report any fresh niggles, having finally added to his sizzling debut in 2011 with two impressive games during the recently completed series in India.

"He's feeling pretty good," skipper Steve Smith said after the Dharamsala series decider.

"I was really impressed with Patty Cummins. The pace he was able to generate, both here and in Ranchi on a relatively slow wicket, was absolutely amazing.

"The way he was able to bounce guys out in Ranchi was quite phenomenal ... he's a really exciting prospect."

Selectors will have a couple of headaches come the first Ashes Test.

They will find it hard to omit Nathan Lyon, who earned the praise of Lehmann and Smith in India. The offspinner has generally been a handful in Brisbane because of the bounce on offer.

Glenn Maxwell could potentially handle spin duties in the absence of Lyon, but Smith had been reluctant to throw the ball to the part-time offspinner in India.

Maxwell posted his maiden Test ton in Ranchi then top-scored in Australia's miserable second innings in Dharamsala.

"In the top six, you still want to make it as a batsman. Obviously, Mitch Marsh is more of a bowling option and Glenn more the batting option," Lehmann said.

"I'm pleased for him to get the hundred and the challenge now is obviously for him to keep his spot."


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Source: AAP



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