The 31-year-old Mitchell Swepson is eyeing BBL 2024-25 as his last chance to push a Test return in Sri Lanka. He aims to make his test return for Sri Lankan tests.
Along with Swepson, Brisbane Heat teammate Matt Kuhnemann are vying to be on the plane to Sri Lanka in January. Two tests will be played, which is part of the WTC cycle.
With Lyon being the first-choice spinner, Todd Murphy is expected to join him as the second spinner. Kahneman, Swepson and Zampa’s options for the third spinner spot loom if Australia plans for a third spinner.
Glenn Maxwell and Beau Webster are also in the competition being considered for spin options.
“Playing for Australia is always the goal I am striving for and while I’m not sure how many spinners they are going to take on that tour I would love to be a part of it,” told Swepson.
“All the Shield games are done now (until February) and the BBL is all we have in front of us. I’m not sure they will pick blokes based on the BBL but bowling well in any format helps.”
Both Swepson and Kuhnemann have test experience in the sub continent conditions having played against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 2022.
However, he didn’t play for Australia’s last trip to Asia in 2023, with Kuhnemann joined the squad for Border Gavaskar Trophy.
Swepson has 17 wickets in the shield for Queensland this summer and Kuhnemann has 18 for Tasmania.
“I know when to attack, when to hold and defend and when to play a role the team requires,” he said.
“This is my 10th year playing for Queensland and I think that experience has really helped me.”Both the Tests I played in Sri Lanka were in Galle and they both are again. I felt like I bowled pretty well and that might hold me in good stead.
“Over in those sub-continent conditions they lean more towards the finger spinners so I know I have that up against me, but I think that as a legspinner I also get my accuracy as close to a finger spinner as possible.
“Kuhnemann, 28, is now with Tasmania after leaving Queensland to get more overs in Shield cricket.
“For me, the pinnacle is red-ball cricket. If my red-ball game is going well, then that looks after my white-ball cricket,” Kuhnemann said.
“White-ball cricket I am pumped at. I have been pretty good the past few years. Hopefully, I can add a few strings to my bow.
“Whenever a sub-continent tour comes around, all the spinners around the country get excited and come out of the woodwork a bit.”
Brisbane Heat will play their first match against Melbourne Stars on December 18 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
