Clarke: I have every faith in rookie Nevill
AUSTRALIA captain Michael Clarke insists he has no qualms about thrusting uncapped wicketkeeper Peter Nevill into the heat of Ashes battle as the Test rookie prepares for his debut at Lord’s today.
Nevill is set to replace perennial England nemesis Brad Haddin behind the stumps after the veteran wicketkeeper withdrew from the second Test due to family reasons.
The 29-year-old scored 764 first-class runs for New South Wales during the Sheffield Shield last season, averaging 76.40 and top scoring with 235 not out, hallmarks which Clarke believes will see Nevill acclimatise quickly to Test cricket.
“I am confident with Nev coming in that we have the wicketkeeper spot covered,” said Clarke. “He is a fighter and deserves his opportunity. He won his spot on form and I have every confidence he will walk out there and make runs.”