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Forrest likely to debut

02/08/2012 10:22:02 AM

Peter Forrest is a strong chance to make his Australian debut in Friday's Commonwealth Bank Series match against Sri Lanka, according to coach Mickey Arthur.

The hosts are likely to retain the same bowling attack which played an instrumental role in their 65-run win over India in the first match of the series, with recalled paceman Ben Hilfenhaus on stand-by for the game at the WACA Ground.

But Arthur said Australia are keen to get 26-year-old Queensland batsman Forrest, who earned a shock call-up after a summer of strong Sheffield Shield form, a chance early in the series.

"We do need to see Peter Forrest at some stage ... but I'm not sure yet where he fits in," Arthur said on Wednesday.

"That is tomorrow's problem but it is likely Peter might get a go, but we still have to have a lot of discussion."

Forrest has been in good touch for the Bulls this season, averaging 58 from his six Shield matches in a big improvement on his statistics from earlier in his career with New South Wales.

But places in Australia's top seven are at a premium, with most of the batsmen in good form from either the Test series or the limited-overs internationals.

Arthur said it was difficult to know how to rotate the squad throughout the series.

"There is a lot of competition for places so no one wants to relinquish their position, which is perfect," he said.

"Our plan was always to start [the series] well, and then through the middle give some development opportunities to some players and then pick our best team again later in the tournament, hopefully including the final."

"Results along the way determine that."

Meanwhile, Arthur said he was delighted with the form of 24-year-old wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who made 67 in his one-day international debut on Sunday after a strong showing in the KFC T20 Internationals.

The coach said it was too early to tell if veteran gloveman Brad Haddin would be recalled for any of the 50-over matches.

"Matthew Wade has been outstanding. But that was what I expected from him," he said.

"He's a fighter, he's got a lot about him, he's got a good technique when he bats and he's very good behind the stumps."

"But Brad is certainly nowhere near out of the equation. We still regard Brad very highly. I thought he was okay, he did the job through the Indian series," he said.

Arthur said it was likely Australia would take two 'keepers on the tour of the West Indies in March and April.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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