Nevill set to keep wicket in third Test

Peter Nevill is expected to stay behind the stumps for the third Ashes Test, when Australia attempt to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

Nevill impressed on Test debut at Lord’s, scoring a polished 45 and snaring seven catches.

Based on a few strong pointers from the three-day tour game in Derby, Nevill is likely to be retained as Test wicketkeeper ahead of Brad Haddin.

Nevill batted at No.6 against Derbyshire on Thursday, above Shane Watson and Haddin.

On Friday, he took the gloves ahead of Haddin when Australia declared at 9-413.

Assigning the `keeping duties will be a big call for national selectors on Wednesday, when the third Test starts at Edgbaston.

Do they bank on Haddin’s experience, built over 66 Tests, or understudy Nevill’s form on tour?

“They’re both really good players and whoever gets the nod will do a fantastic job,” Shaun Marsh said after scoring a century on day one.

If Haddin is left out of the Test XI next week it could spell the end of his international career.

Haddin returned from a West Indies tour in 2012 due to family reasons.

On that occasion, Matthew Wade remained in the side for a year until selectors decided to recall Haddin.

However, the NSW gloveman is now 37 years old.

Nevill was out for one on the first day against Derbyshire on Thursday, but snaffled a catch on day two to dismiss New Zealand opener Hamish Rutherford.

The 29-year-old had a spirited stumping appeal turned down when Scott Elstone was on zero and missed a looping delivery from legspinner Fawad Ahmed.

Derbyshire were 2-81 at lunch on Friday.

Pat Cummins, returning to first-class cricket for the first time in almost two years, snared the scalp of Rutherford.

Watson was typically miserly, sending down a five-over spell of 1-5 including his first wicket on tour – Ben Slater.

Pacemen Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, offspinner Nathan Lyon and in-form batsman Steve Smith were rested from the fixture against Derbyshire.

There was intermittent drizzle throughout Friday’s morning session and heavier showers are predicted later in the day.

Chris Rogers is undergoing further balance tests on Friday, with Australia yet to rule him out of the third Test.

Marsh, who has scored two centuries on tour, is expected to fill in for Rogers if the 37-year-old is unable to prove his fitness.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!