Former Test bowler Jason Gillespie has selected his Test squad for the upcoming tour of India, as Dizzy makes some unusual selections in his 16-man squad.
In an exclusive column for cricket.com.au, the 71-Test veteran runs his eye over which players he believes should be on the plane to India.
Gillespie on Glenn Maxwell: "I'm a huge fan of Glenn Maxwell so I'd take him as one of two all-rounders. I think Glenn is quite technically sound as a batsman. I think sometimes people form their opinions about him based on some of his unorthodox stroke play in white-ball cricket, but I think there's a very good cricketer there in the longest form of the game. He has the game to succeed at Test level, batting at six and being able to offer the captain an option with his off-spin. He's not a 20-over-a-day bowler but he'll be able to give the captain a couple of really good spells. And something I'd challenge Glenn to do is to really work hard on his bowling to be an even better option with the ball in the future."
Dizzy on the wicketkeeper situation: "I'd also take two wicketkeepers in my squad. I'd go with Peter Nevill and I'd also like to take a young gloveman to get some experience, so I'd go for Alex Carey from South Australia. Alex hasn't had an opportunity for the Strikers yet this season but he's made a good start to his Sheffield Shield career and he's shown he's very tidy behind the stumps for the Redbacks. I think picking someone like him is a very forward-thinking option. It's an opportunity for him to learn and develop by working closely with Nev and the other coaches and seeing everything India has to offer. I think he's very sharp with the gloves and I really think he's a player for the future."
Gillespie on which spinners would make the trek: "For the spinners, I'd take Nathan Lyon and Steve O'Keefe and I would have considered Jon Holland as well, but he's been injured and hasn't had any cricket. I rate him quite highly but it's probably too big an ask for him given he hasn't been playing. I like the look of Queensland leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, so I'd take him as well. I think he's got a lot about him and I'd pick him not necessarily as a back-up option, but someone who might even play a role in the series."
Dizzy's squad for India: Steve Smith (c), David Warner, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Nathan Lyon, Steve O'Keefe, Mitchell Swepson.
