Former Australian test quick Stuart Clark believes James Pattinson is the best man to replace Josh Hazlewood for the Boxing Day Test.
The 28-year old bowled just eight balls in Perth before injuring his left hamstring, ruling him out of the game.
Queensland’s Michael Neser and veteran Victorian Peter Siddle have emerged as potential replacements, but Clark said that Pattinson is the best option.
“It’s an easy selection. James Pattinson has done everything he needs to do,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“He had his little indiscretion and served his time. He’s a quality fast bowler, there’s no question about that
“If I was captain, I’d give Pattinson the new ball.”
Australia’s 296-run win over New Zealand was only the second test match Optus Stadium has hosted since opening in 2018.
Clark was full of praise for the wicket while urging other stadiums to change for the benefit of Australia’s players.
“That’s why the wicket was good. It was different, it was entertaining, and people wanted to watch it,” he said.
“I think we’ve unfortunately gone to similar kind of wickets all around the country and we need to go back to what was making us successful a while back and that was teaching players to play on different sort of wickets.
“Wickets in Australia need to be different. We’re not really sure what we’re going to get at the MCG; we’re a little bit nervous about that.”
Clark said he thinks New Zealand will fare better in Melbourne after struggling to adapt to Perth.
“There was a lot of things that went against them,” he said.
“It’s a tough ask to go all the way from where they’ve been playing to Perth. The wicket’s so different, there’s so much bounce and carry in that wicket and it’s something that takes a little bit of getting used to.”
SEN will broadcast the Boxing Day Test in which Australia will look to claim a series victory.
Listen to Stuart Clark's chat on SEN Breakfast below