VICTORIAN fast bowler Chris Tremain may have been knocking at the Australian selectors’ door before the Test tour of the UAE, but now he’s banging it down.
The 27-year-old was snubbed last month from a Test-birth despite taking the most wickets in the Sheffield Shield over the past two seasons (93 at 20.12) – and the unavailability of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.
He was called up for the four-day leg of Australia A’s tour of India, taking six wickets at 22. But the haul wasn’t enough and he was told to return home and, once again, try and impress in the Shield.
He’s been far more than just impressive since.
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Tremain has taken 14 wickets at 13.14 from his 55 overs this season, including two five-wicket hauls.Source: AAPTremain has taken 14 wickets at 13.14 from his 55 overs this season. Most recently, he took 5-47 as Victoria skittled NSW for 159 on day one at the MCG on Thursday. The quick already has two five-wicket hauls this season.
His 14 wickets are the most in the Shield so far this summer after he also topped last season’s tally with 51 (at 21.07).
But the selectors went with veteran paceman Peter Siddle for the UAE Test series against Pakistan. Cummins and Hazlewood are also nearing national recalls.
Tremain, who is yet to make his Test debut, is still under no illusions about trying to displace Cummins, Hazlewood or fellow quick Mitchell Starc from the Test attack despite his impressive form.
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“The difference between the bowlers and the batsmen in Shield cricket at the moment is there are spots up for grabs in the Test batting line up, whereas we have three of the best in the world in the bowling line up,” Tremain said.
“I don’t think there is any need for change at the moment.
“Three great quicks and (off spinner) Nathan Lyon, so unless one breaks down, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
Victoria recovered from a bad start to end day two on 3-101, with opener Marcus Harris 51no and nightwatchman Scott Boland on one.
Unlike last season, the MCG wicket is much greener and more lively. A result looms for the first time in an MCG Test or Shield game since February last year, when NSW won by an innings.
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