Ashes 100-1: 51 - Is Australia's spin cupboard bare?

If Australia are to win the Mohali test then it is unlikely that their spinner Nathan Hauritz will play a decisive role (although we could yet fall victim to writing this post in advance). Indeed, one could argue that it was part-timer Marcus North's removal of Sachin Tendulkar in the Indian first innings that first gave the Aussies a chance of scoring a famous win on Indian soil.

This isn't even close to an exceptional Australian side, but they are hyper-competitive, never know when they are beaten and will be extremely tough for England to beat on Australian soil come November 25th. But one thing England won't be losing sleep over is the quality (or otherwise) of the Australian spin attack. And that is quite rare for England teams embarking on a tour down under - especially in recent times.

Australia has given cricket some of its greatest spinners, especially those of the leg-spin variety and they have left a telling mark on the history of the Ashes. The ten leading Australian spinners (in terms of wickets taken) in Ashes encounters is presented in the table below:

Leading Australian Ashes spinners
Player	Mat	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Ave	Econ	SR	5	10
SK Warne	36	195	8/71	12/246	23.25	2.52	55.10	11	4
H Trumble	31	141	8/65	12/89	20.88	2.23	55.90	9	3
CV Grimmett	22	106	6/37	11/82	32.44	2.25	86.40	11	2
WJ O'Reilly	19	102	7/54	11/129	25.36	1.97	77.00	8	3
AA Mailey	18	86	9/121	13/236	34.12	3.38	60.40	6	2
R Benaud	27	83	6/70	9/173	31.81	2.17	87.70	4	0
AA Mallett	14	47	5/114	6/97	28.63	2.28	75.10	1	0
GE Palmer	11	46	7/65	10/126	19.43	2.20	52.90	4	1
IWG Johnson	22	42	7/42	8/134	37.85	2.07	109.30	1	0
SCG MacGill	6	39	7/50	12/107	24.71	2.72	54.50	3	1
NM Hauritz	3	10	3/63	6/158	32.10	3.10	62.00	0	0

In Shane Warne, Clarrie Grimmett and Bill 'Tiger' O'Reilly, Australia have produced three of the best ten spinners of all-time and Richie Benaud and Hugh Trumble weren't far behind either. Grimmett and O'Reilly even played in the same era meaning that Australia had two deadly leg-spinners operating at the same time - Daryl Cullinan must break out in a sweat when he thinks of having to face two bowlers as good at Warne at the same time.

Incredibly, Stuart MacGill had a better strike rate than all five of the great bowlers named above. However, he was doomed to spend a life in the shadow of Warne and had his test career severely curtailed as a result. Unlike with Grimmett and O'Reilly, Warne and MacGill rarely operated in tandem. 

What Ricky Ponting would give to have a ten years younger MacGill available now. Instead, he will have a choice between the limited and unpenetrative Hauritz or the promising but extremely raw Steve Smith (plus the odd over from North (if he keeps his place), Michael Clarke and Simon Katich). Not exactly an embarrassment of riches is it Punter?

Whichever one out of Smith and Hauritz gets the nod, they will probably be asked to keep it tight at one end as Ponting rotates his seamers at the other. What a difference from when Border, Taylor, Waugh and Ponting himself had the attacking Warne to call upon.

England have several good players of spin and if Pietersen, Collingwood and Bell can each find some semblance of form they could really cash in against Hauritz or Smith. England on the other hand have the best spinner currently operating in world cricket in Graeme Swann, which suggests that Adelaide and Sydney may not be prepared in their usual manner. If it does come down to a battle of spin to decide the Ashes, there will be only one winner.

Where next?

Seven reasons why the Poms love Shane Warne

Stuart MacGill - Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

View the full Ashes 100-1 Countdown 

Comments

[Shridhar Jaju]

I think Australia should replace North with Smith at Bangalore. Test Smith and Hauritz in same conditions and a better opinion can be formed.

Also, I am sure Smith will bowl better than North... and given the way North is batting, he may even bat better!

[The Reverse Sweep]

Wouldn't disagree there Shridhar, North is hopeless. But as an Englishman, I hope North stays in the side.