Dalrymple could play in Sydney

Off-spinner Jamie Dalrymple is hoping to be given his Test debut for the final Ashes encounter in Sydney next week as England seek to avoid a humiliating 5-0 whitewash. With the wicket at Sydney traditionally providing assistance for the slower bowlers, England could play two spinners in the shape of Dalrymple and Monty Panesar.

Dalrymple originally only travelled to Australia as part of the Academy squad, but when Ashley Giles flew home to be with his ill wife back in England, the all-rounder was thrust into the full Test side. He has already played fourteen ODIs for England, where his well-flighted off-breaks and stubborn middle-order batting has made a strong impression. Should Dalrymple play in the Fifth Test at the SCG, beginning on Tuesday, he would most likely replace seamer Sajid Mahmood and slot into the batting order at number six or seven, bolstering a shaky batting order.

“I’m desperate to play”, said the all-rounder, speaking to Cricinfo. “If I get the chance to play at Sydney it would be superb. It would be great experience playing against a very good side.”