Australian bowler Jhye Richardson issues timely reminder of his Test credentials
Neser was also the most economical of the Australians; He made 16 runs from two overs during his opening spell, scoring 3.07 runs.
Starc felt that the statistics did not reflect the quality of the bowling.
“Joe obviously batted really well in the innings of 100 and I thought there were some really good bowls there that probably weren’t rewarded,” he said.
“We know how good Scotty is. Nes and Doggy are two guys who are slightly less experienced on the Test scene but have a lot of experience.”
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While it would take a bold call to parachute Richardson into the Test squad just ahead of the third match in Adelaide, his form will undoubtedly have selectors on alert, especially with skipper Pat Cummins tipped to make a comeback after a complaint.
Josh Hazlewood is also not expected to be fit until the back end of the Ashes due to a hamstring injury, opening the door for Richardson should he suffer another injury.
Murphy’s form would also attract the attention of the Australian hierarchy; The Victorian international was competing with Gold Coast product Matthew Kuhnemann to be considered the heir apparent to Nathan Lyon, whose future suddenly appeared to be in disarray.
Lyon were shockingly omitted from the second Test in favor of Neser; Chief selector George Bailey admitted that this move upset the 38-year-old player. It was also a maneuver that surprised England opener Zak Crawley, who scored 76 on the first day.
It was the second time in three matches that Australia’s greatest off-spinner has been sidelined; the last one was in the pink-ball day-night clash in the West Indies.
His decline is due to his lack of involvement at Perth Stadium; here he took 29 wickets from the five Tests leading up to the Ashes, but bowled only two overs in that match.
His average possession at the Gabba is just 28.8.
Nathan Lyon was disappointed by his second Test omission. Credit: Getty Images
“It’s a tough situation for Nath. Everyone wants to play every game and I’m sure he’ll be disappointed not to play this week. It’s certainly not a reflection on his skills,” Starc said.
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“They definitely looked at the conditions and made our choice to attack based on those conditions.”
While Lyon is likely to feature for the remainder of the series, the fate of fellow veteran Usman Khawaja has been thrown into even greater doubt.
The Queensland opener, who turned 39 ahead of the third Test, was ruled out of the Gabba clash after failing to recover from back spasms that tormented him in the summer opener.
In his absence, Travis Head (33) and Jake Weatherald (72) led Australia to a flyer, putting up a 77-run stand to make a compelling case to remain a top-flight union.
Their efforts paved the way for their countries to finish 6-378 on the second day with a lead of 44 runs.
Even Australia’s home openers were pressing their case; Sam Konstas scored 116 points for New South Wales against Queensland, while Campbell Kellaway scored 71 points for Australia A.
Matt Renshaw kicked eight goals against the Lions but already boasts three Shield centuries this summer.
While Khawaja’s replacement Josh Inglis plucked a peach from Ben Stokes to be dismissed for 23, the list of contenders ensured the veteran’s return for the third Test – if he was fit – was not guaranteed.
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