Peter Handscomb is one of four potential Test debutants when the day-night Test gets underway in Adelaide on Thursday, and according to state coach Andrew McDonald, Handscomb is here to stay.
Along with Queensland opener Matthew Renshaw and New South Welshman Nic Maddinson, Handscomb will make his debut in Adelaide, while Chadd Sayers will need to fight it out with Jackson Bird for the last spot in the team and his first baggy green.
The Victorian had the most impressive innings in all of Sheffield Shield action over the weekend as he posted 215 against NSW, and romped his way into the Test fold.
Handscomb's first class record is quite impressive as well, as the 25-year-old has an average of 40.56 from 61 matches, and McDonald says the future looks bright for the right-hander.
“I see him being a real long-term player, just due to the fact he can deal with all conditions,” McDonald told cricket.com.au.
“I think that’s the pivotal thing to remember with Peter Handscomb. Some Australian batsmen can be one-dimensional, but I see him being successful in the sub-continent and in any conditions. He’s a very adaptable player.”
“You can’t speak highly enough of that innings (his 215 against NSW on the weekend) – you could speak about it for a day. It was a class innings and there was good batsmanship around him as well,” he said.
“It always takes partnerships and there were guys down the other end that helped him to those milestones in Travis Dean and Cameron White.”
The Victorian's prowess with the pink ball is another reason as to why McDonald believes he can succeed, as Handscomb has hit two centuries and 480 runs in his five matches under lights at state level.
“Modern-day players, in particular, adapt to different formats and they’ve thrown in the pink ball now as well,” McDonald said.
“The guys prepare and plan so well. There’s nothing that comes unexpected to them leading into a game.
“It (pink ball) obviously does a bit more under lights, depending where you play, but Adelaide Oval in particular does a bit more under lights.”
“He’s ready to make the step up to Test level and deal with the pressures and the challenge.
