Mitchell Swepson Voices Concern Over Lack of Opportunities for Australian Spinners

During the last few years, Australia has relied on producing seam-friendly pitches to counter opponents in test matches. The surfaces on show in the ongoing Ashes series are no different, as the Australian team is preferring to use green wickets to counter England’s Bazball. While this strategy has worked well in terms of winning matches, it has reduced opportunities for spinners to make a significant impact in the game.

Mitchell Swepson has now voiced his concerns regarding the lack of opportunities for spinners in Australian playing conditions. He believes it is somewhat unfair for spinners to be overlooked in favor of fast bowlers in test matches. As a regular performer in the Sheffield Shield, he understands why seam-friendly pitches are increasingly being preferred these days.

"I won't be careful - it sucks. I'm obviously biased, but I think we've seen it coming in Sheffield Shield cricket. We see less and less spin bowlers coming into the game, particularly in certain parts of the country, and that's what we're now seeing a little bit with the Test arena.” said Mitchell Swepson while talking to the reporters.

He expressed regret that spin bowling is increasingly being overlooked in Australia, as the management focuses on preparing seam-friendly surfaces to support fast bowlers in test matches.

"We're seeing greener wickets and seam being the main source of wickets, and it's such a shame because there's definitely a spot for spin bowling in Test cricket.” said Mitchell Swepson.

Swepson grew up idolizing the bowling action of Shane Warne. He wants to emulate his skills in spin bowling, however, the current trend of preparing pitches favoring fast bowling has concerned him, as well as other spinners in Australia.

"I grew up watching Shane Warne bowl around the wicket into pizzas at the SCG and Stuart MacGill ragging them sideways,” said Mitchell Swepson.

"It would be nice to bring that back, but with the way it's going at the moment, it looks like we're going further and further away from that with the wickets that we're producing." added Mitchell Swepson.

He then revealed some of his discussions with the veterans of Sheffield Shield cricket. He said former players described how pitches in the Australian domestic circuit often remained flat for two days in the past.

"Talking to older guys in Shield cricket ... they talk about batting for two days on an absolute road and then all of sudden chunks are coming out of the wicket. I couldn't tell you the last time I played a Shield game like that.” said Mitchell Swepson.

"It's a real shame and I'd love to see it come back that way, but somewhere in the country has to be prepared to do that and be prepared to make those sort of wickets. I don't know who's going to do that first or whether it's a CA thing or what it is, but it would be great to see that happen again." added Mitchell Swepson.

Backing Spinners with Greater Confidence

He then urged the Australian team management to show faith in spinners who are likely to represent the national team on away tours. He said Todd Murphy should have played the SCG test if Australia is looking to back him for overseas assignments.

"The best way you learn is experience and getting out there and playing. For example, it would've been great for Toddy to just play this game if that's who they're thinking for the Tests away [from home]. If he's the one that's going to get the nod, it would be great for him to have gotten that experience in this SCG Test match." said Mitchell Swepson.

Swepson then reiterated his desire to play for Australia. He believes earning the baggy green cap should be the goal of every Aussie player, as it is quite prestigious.

"Every cricketer should have that goal, I feel like. And that's all formats, I'm always trying my best to get back in the green and gold or the baggy green." concluded Mitchell Swepson.