Jon Holland in line to make shock Test return

Victorian left-arm spinner Jon Holland, who last played Test cricket for Australia four years ago, is reportedly in line to make a shock Test return and could be included in the visitors’ starting XI for the first Test in Galle. 

Holland, who incidentally made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle six years ago, featured in the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka ‘A’ (match figures of 2/176) and was added to the senior squad following an injury to Ashton Agar. 

Despite being a late addition to the squad, the 35-year-old, according to multiple sources, is in pole position to partner Nathan Lyon in the first Test, starting June 29 (Wednesday). The left-arm spinner’s accuracy is set to help him get the nod over leg-spinner Mitch Swepson, who played in the three-match series against Pakistan, and fellow left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann who impressed in the five-match ODI series that concluded last week. 

“At training on Sunday, he (Holland) was conspicuous as Lyon’s initial partner in centre-wicket practice, while Swepson, Kuhnemann and the young Victorian Todd Murphy twirled away in the nets,” a Sydney Morning Herald report noted.

On Monday, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald said that Swepson ‘is definitely in the selection frame’ and revealed that the tourists opted to call-in Jon Holland late owing to the veteran’s experience.

"We haven't made that decision, and Mitch Swepson is definitely in the selection frame," McDonald said. "We're talking about the direction the ball is spinning and the value of accuracy of finger spin against wrist spin, which at times can be less accurate.

"Traditionally, finger spin has done well here, it would be going against the statistics to say it wasn't. But there also hasn't been a lot of wrist spin played here.

"We know what Jon can do, hence why he has been called into the squad.

"He's always been there or thereabouts with domestic performances. He was called in late, was he a little underdone when he got into the [Australia] A series? There's no doubt about that. But we feel like he can bowl himself into the form we need him to."

A Shield veteran, Holland hasn’t had great success in his four-Test career, having picked up 8 wickets at an average of 63.77. Each of his four Tests have come in Asia.

Earlier, Steve Smith was declared fit to feature in the first Test. Mitch Starc and Travis Head are also expected to recover in time for the game. A recovery for Head will mean Glenn Maxwell having to wait to make his 8th appearance in the longest format.