CRICKET – Australian cricket selector Rod Marsh has defended the selection of Nathan Coulter – Nile for the first Test against the West Indies in Hobart next week.
Australia’s previously healthy fast bowling stocks have taken a hit following the retirement of Mitch Johnson and Mitchell Starc’s injury, with Peter Siddle reportedly carrying a back injury and Josh Hazlewood on the verge of breaking down.
Coulter – Nile hasn’t played a first class game this season but Marsh says, with the current injury toll, the selectors were faced with little option but to pick the Western Australian.