Billy Stanlake has unexpectedly entered Australia's Test selection picture ahead of a demanding 12 months, with selectors closely monitoring the tall fast bowler after his return to international cricket.
The 31-year-old has played just 13 first-class matches since making his debut in 2015, with injuries severely limiting his red-ball career. However, Stanlake returned to the Australia setup earlier this year during the ODI tour of Pakistan, making his first international appearance in more than seven years in Rawalpindi in May. He has since been selected for Australia's upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Australia's chairman of selectors George Bailey confirmed that Stanlake is being considered as a potential Test option, particularly if the team's fast-bowling resources come under pressure during a packed schedule.“We're certainly interested, yeah, absolutely,” Bailey said. “We're not rushing at it and understanding that he's missed a large chunk of red-ball cricket over a period of time. But there's some fundamentals in the way he goes about it and the skillset that, at its best, could certainly have a place at the Test level.”
Stanlake featured three times for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield last season, taking nine wickets at an average of 26.88. Overall, he has 40 wickets at 26.92 in first-class cricket.
His height and ability to generate serious pace have long made him an attractive option, particularly in limited-overs cricket. He made his international debut in 2017 and produced impressive figures of 4 for 8 against Zimbabwe in a T20I the following year.
Although he went wicketless during Australia's ODI series in Pakistan, Bailey said the selectors were encouraged by Stanlake's return.“Billy really impressed in the most recent tour that he went on to Pakistan,” Bailey said. “So that was great to see him back and injury-free and performing.”
Australia's demanding Test schedule could further increase the need for fast-bowling depth. The team could play as many as 21 Tests by the start of next August, with an important tour of India scheduled for early next year.
Brendan Doggett and Jhye Richardson have also been included in the Australia A squad for the upcoming four-day tour of India, giving them an opportunity to build their red-ball credentials. Young quicks Mahli Beardman and Callum Vidler are also returning from back injuries.
Bailey also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Richardson's ability to regain the mid-140kph pace he produced earlier in his career. However, he believes the pacer can still have a significant international impact through skill, consistency and execution.
With Australia's pace attack facing a heavy workload, Stanlake's return to fitness and red-ball cricket could give the selectors another intriguing option for the Test squad.
