OZ batsmen bear pacers brunt vying for selection

From ANI

Melbourne, June 30: The battle for Ashes Test spots has heated up among Australian bowlers with team batsmen bearing their brunt ahead of the July 8 Test.

Australian opener Phillip Hughes has been among the victims.

Stuart Clark says the intensity of the battle with fellow quicks Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Brett Lee and Ben Hilfenhaus has been tough on the batsmen in the nets at the team's training camp in Worcester.

But he makes no apologies as they and spinner Nathan Hauritz strive for the four bowling spots up for grabs in the first Test in Cardiff.

"There's been a lot competition at training, obviously, because especially for the bowlers the guys are really fighting for their spots," Clark said.

"They're (the batsmen) copping it today. You've got Phillip Hughes hitting it off the back of his bat into his helmet, stumps flying everywhere. They're not enjoying it but it's good practice for them because they're going to get it from the eighth of July."

Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle are certain to play after coach Tim Nielsen gave Siddle the thumbs up for his performance in the match against Sussex at Hove.

Lee, Clark and Hilfenhaus are all competing for the one or two remaining pacer spots, FOX Sports reports.

Australia's only specialist spinner Hauritz is under pressure to maintain his place after wicket less expensive spell at Hove. He was smashed for 98 off 18 overs.


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