Lehmann can't find room for Fawad

Fawad Ahmed faces a battle to be included in Australia's Test team for the remaining six matches of their dual tour to the West Indies and England after the coach and selector Darren Lehmann declared there were enough part-time options in the side to leave out a second spin bowler.

Given its history of extravagant spin, Dominica had been considered Fawad's best opportunity for a call-up, but Lehmann stated that the use of Michael Clarke, Steven Smith and the left-arm spin of the debutant Adam Voges constituted more than enough slow bowling to support Nathan Lyon. If that was the case in Dominica, then Fawad may spend most of the next four months carrying the drinks.

Lehmann also stated the team's preference for a three-man pace attack in order to "go pretty hard at" their opposition. Given Australia's success in battering England with pace Down Under in 2013-14, it seems highly unlikely that twin spin will be employed during the Ashes series, slow pitches or not.

"We know it spins here traditionally but at the end of the day we thought the three quick options were the best way to go considering we've got Smith, Clarke and Voges who can all bowl left-arm spin or wrist spin," Lehmann said. "So with Lyon we think that gives us enough spin options and with the three quicks it lets us go pretty hard at them.

"The practice wickets have played pretty well, they've taken spin but also had a little bit of carry. We think the option with Smith, Clarke and Voges doing the bowling covers that. It was a really tough decision. Time will tell but we're really comfortable with that side. Fawad might get his opportunity next Test."

Fawad had arrived in Dominica thinking he was more than likely to win Australia's 442nd baggy green cap, and was the subject of enormous media coverage. However his chances faded with each passing day, and by match eve he cut a disappointed figure as he bowled in the pace net with Lehmann while Voges and Lyon served as the prime spin tandem.

Intriguingly, the captain Michael Clarke had appeared to be in favour of Fawad's inclusion, writing extensively about Fawad in his Australian newspaper column. Clarke also spoke at some length about their growing relationship and thought the legspinner shared some traits in common with no less a master of the art than Shane Warne.

"I've known Fuzz for a while now," Clarke had said. "We spent a bit of time together even before he was playing for Australia. He came and bowled to us regularly when we were in Melbourne. I've got to know him over the last couple of years. I said in my column today that one of his greatest strengths is his consistency. For a wrist spin bowler to be able to be so consistent is a great strength to have.

"Fawad is experienced. He knows his strengths, He knows his weaknesses. We speak daily about field settings in different conditions all around the world. I'm confident if he gets an opportunity that he will be able to have success, and we'll be able to work together to get the appropriate fields to take wickets."

Clarke, though, is not a selector, and Lehmann's desire to hunt the West Indian batsmen with pace was vindicated on the series' opening day. Fawad could only look on from the boundary, and wonder whether his chance had gone.