Starc Injury to Cause Selection Consternation

JUST IN: Aussies rocked by Mitchell Starc injury bombshell: https://t.co/PjkWihXGlj #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/YPKttsuWfd

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) March 10, 2017

Just so this is out there before the actual decision is made - there are only two possible options for the National Selection Panel (NSP) to make when it comes to who is going to replace Mitchell Starc in India.

No, it is not Pat Cummins and it is not James Pattinson.

This season, Chadd Sayers has taken 50 wickets at an average of 18.60. He is at the top of the wicket takers list this season in the Sheffield Shield. Last season, he took 32 wickets at an average of 27.78. That is a good form line.

This season, Chris Tremain has taken 37 wickets at an average of 18.24. He is third on the wicket takers list this season in the Sheffield Shield. This week he also scored his maiden first class century. Last season, he took 36 wickets at an average of 21.05. That is a good form line.
I watched Tremain bowl against NSW at the SCG in a Shield game in November on a surface not unlike what is being delivered in India. He was dangerous. Tall and quick. He wouldn't be out of place.

One of these bowlers must be the choice to go to India. Why risk either Cummins or Pattinson for the sake of two Tests. Their aim must surely be to be ready for next season's Ashes contest. Take either Sayers or Tremain, and give them the chance to be around the squad and experience Test cricket.

*now waits patiently for NSP to completely fuck up another selection call*