NSW coach backs batting trio for Tests

NSW coach Trent Johnston has backed trio Moises Henriques, Kurtis Patterson and Nic Maddinson to improve Australia's Test batting middle-order.

NSW coach Trent Johnston believes any one of Blues' middle-order trio Moises Henriques, Kurtis Patterson and Nic Maddinson could bolster Australia's struggling Test batting line-up.

The Blues are unchanged for their Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria, starting at the SCG on Thursday, from the side that beat Western Australia by three wickets earlier this month.

The Australian selectors are under increased pressure to again swing the axe following the latest batting capitulation in the second Test loss to South Africa in Hobart.

"We've got three guys in that middle order who wouldn't look out of place in a baggy green," Johnston said.

"And I think that those three deserve to have their names mentioned as potential selections in the Australian Test team."

Patterson and Maddinson have each scored a Sheffield Shield century this season.

Allrounder Henriques, although short of a big score in the first-class competition in 2016-17, was the second highest run-scorer in the one-day domestic league, with 414 runs at an average of 69.

The 29-year-old NSW captain has been on the outer since playing the third Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo in August, and was barely in the frame while axed Test allrounder Mitch Marsh's position was in question.

"I think Moises is only one big score away from knocking down that door again," Johnston said.

"Maddo (Maddinson) said himself that his ton in the first innings of the WA game was one of the best that he has played, and it was a very mature innings.

"KP's (Patterson's) A-series (against South Africa this year) was outstanding with hundreds in both formats of the game.

"I think he impressed a lot of people up there and has continued to impress at the start of the Shield season."

Also in the Test mix will be NSW left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe, who took eight wickets for the match against the Warriors as Nathan Lyon under-performs for Australia.


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Source: AAP



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