Former Australian paceman Ryan Harris has identified Mitchell Swepson as the player to watch following the Ashes series.
Swepson has been a member of the Aussie squad for a number of years and has played seven T20 internationals, but is yet to make his debut in the baggy green or in the ODI arena.
But with tours of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India planned in 2022, the 28-year-old could prove to be a key player this year.
He was recently touted as a bolter for the fourth Ashes Test at the SCG, but was overlooked.
“The one that stands out for me – Australia have got quite a bit of cricket on the subcontinent coming up – is a guy called Mitchell Swepson, who’s a leg-spinner,” Harris told bet365’s Inside Edge.
“He’s been waiting in the wings for a number of years and been on a lot of tours.
“Nathan Lyon is the main spinner and you’re not going to move him aside for a while, but with Australia touring Pakistan next along with other tours on the subcontinent, I think we’re going to see what Mitchell Swepson can do as a bowler.”
Swepson was named in Australia’s Test squad for the first time in 2017 when the team travelled to India, but he didn’t play. He’s been part of squads on at least five other occasions.
Despite being overlooked for the national Test team, he’s been a mainstay in the Sheffield Shield for Queensland and last season claimed 32 wickets at an average of 23.50.
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Across his entire first-class career, Swepson has taken a total of 153 wickets in 49 matches at an average of 33.76.
“He’s a ripping leg-spinner and he’s been in squads for a number of years, so he’s worked with Nathan Lyon and seen a lot of Test cricket,” Harris said.
“I know it’s different from when you’re watching and playing, but I think he’s one that’s going to jump out of the gates and everyone’s going to see the name and know what Mitchell Swepson can do.
“Going to conditions where Australia are going to be able to play two spinners, while Cameron Green gives that option to play as a third quick so I think Mitchell is probably going to get that opportunity that he probably hasn’t had in the last few years.
“I’ve seen him closely playing for Queensland and he’s dominated Shield cricket, so it’s going to be good seeing him do well at the next level and get that spot which is something he deserves.”
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