Cricket: Franklin's fitness gives Bracewell a headache

By DYLAN CLEAVER in Brisbane

James Franklin's likely availability for the second test in Adelaide will give John Bracewell a selection headache over the next few days.

Franklin has trouble with a tendon in his groin, but the injury is not thought to be serious. He will resume bowling duties in the nets today and should win his race for fitness ahead of Friday. Whether he gets picked is another matter.

While the first test inclusion of Craig McMillan at the expense of Hamish Marshall was widely tipped, the new-ball attack of Chris Martin and Kyle Mills wasn't.

Mills was evidently preferred to the unlucky and unhappy Ian Butler because of his ability to swing the ball. His batting at No 10 was a handy bonus, but might be considered more than that in the future.

Mills' batting skills have been a well-kept secret from the public, but his showing in compiling 29 was enough for the Chappell brothers to describe him as technically the best in the side.

The value of having a beefed-up batting order against Australia was evident as the last three wickets - thanks largely to Mills and Jacob Oram - put on 147 runs.

Franklin, who is a handy batsman as well, is likely to be in a straight race with Mills for a bowling spot, but with Adelaide having a reputation as hard work for the quicks, Paul Wiseman might come into the equation, though he didn't set pulses racing in Sydney.

Bowling attacks have been selected recently with an eye to getting the 'mix' right and having bowlers that can work in pairs. For this reason, and the fact Daniel Vettori is back near his best, it is hard to see how Wiseman fits in.

On the batting side Bracewell could toss the names of Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan and Hamish Marshall in the air and come down with any two.

"He's tough," Bracewell said of McMillan, and he'll need to deal with the fallout of another wasted innings on Friday.

While McMillan is the media's favourite whipping boy, Astle might have to prepare for a few lashes.

He's now gone eight innings without passing 50 and should have been out twice before reaching 19 on Friday.

- THE HERALD ON SUNDAY