Australia’s selection panel is genuinely interested in fast bowler Billy Stanlake as a possible Test option, according to chair of selectors George Bailey. The team will have one of its most challenging schedules in recent memory over the next 12 months.
Billy Stanlake made his comeback to international cricket during the ODI tour of Pakistan, playing in Rawalpindi at the end of May in his first encounter at that level in more than seven years. Since then, he has been chosen for Australia’s next white-ball assignments in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
In his straightforward response to the Test question, Bailey acknowledged the bowler’s extended absence from four-day cricket as well as the qualities that kept the selectors interested in him. Billy Stanlake first-class action peaked in 2019–20 with four appearances, and Bailey stated that any route to Test cricket will be managed carefully rather than hurriedly.
What does Australia’s schedule and Billy Stanlake record indicate about a potential Test call-up?
Despite being based on a tiny sample, Billy Stanlake excellent statistics provide a solid basis. He took nine wickets at an average of 26.88 in three Sheffield Shield matches for Tasmania in summer; his total first-class record is 40 wickets at 26.92.
When fit, he has always been a desirable choice due to his height and ability to produce fast pace, especially in white-ball cricket. In a T20I against Zimbabwe in 2018, he scored 4-0-8-4, one of the most impressive results in his brief international career. He made his debut for his country in 2017.
