Former Australian cricket coach Justin Langer has thrown his support behind young Western Australian off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, suggesting he is the ideal candidate to fill the massive void left by the injured Nathan Lyon for the upcoming Boxing Day Test.
A Major Endorsement for the Young Spinner
Langer's endorsement comes at a critical juncture for the Australian team, which is grappling with the significant loss of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon suffered a serious calf injury during the second Ashes Test at Lord's, an event that has dramatically altered the selection landscape for the remainder of the series. Langer, who coached the national side for nearly four years, knows the demands of an Ashes battle intimately and believes Rocchiccioli has the right attributes for the high-pressure occasion.
The 25-year-old Rocchiccioli has been turning heads in the Sheffield Shield, where his consistent performances for Western Australia have marked him as a rising talent. Standing at an imposing 204cm, his height allows him to extract extra bounce from the pitch, a trait that could prove particularly useful on a Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) wicket. Langer emphasised that while replacing a legend like Lyon is an immense challenge, Rocchiccioli's recent form and unique skill set make him a compelling choice.
The Selection Dilemma and Other Contenders
The national selection panel, chaired by George Bailey, faces a tough decision. The obvious like-for-like replacement would be another specialist off-spinner, and Rocchiccioli is arguably the leading candidate in that category. Other names in the mix include the experienced Queenslander Matthew Kuhnemann and the all-round capabilities of Ashton Agar, though Agar's recent injury history complicates his selection.
Langer pointed out that the selection isn't just about replicating Lyon's role, but about choosing a bowler who can build pressure and take wickets in what is expected to be a pivotal match in the Ashes series. The third Test at Headingley saw Australia lose a close contest, making the Boxing Day fixture in Melbourne on December 26 a potential series-defining moment. The pressure on a debutant in such an environment would be enormous, but Langer's public backing suggests he believes Rocchiccioli possesses the necessary temperament.
What Rocchiccioli Brings to the Table
Corey Rocchiccioli's first-class record is solid, and he has been a key component of Western Australia's recent Shield dominance. His ability to bowl long, containing spells while also posing a genuine wicket-taking threat aligns with the traditional role of a Test match spinner. Furthermore, his height gives him a physical point of difference, enabling him to trouble batters with extra bounce and a steeper trajectory.
The final decision will rest with the selectors and captain Pat Cummins, who must weigh the benefits of a specialist spinner against the option of bolstering the pace attack or batting depth. However, Justin Langer's strong and public recommendation carries significant weight in Australian cricket circles. His endorsement has undoubtedly amplified the spotlight on the young West Australian, who may now be just one phone call away from the biggest moment of his cricketing career on the iconic MCG stage.
