Stuart MacGill's struggles in the Test series against Sri Lanka have put Australia's selectors in a tricky position ahead of such a hectic upcoming Test schedule. In the Herald Sun Jon Pierik wonders what has gone wrong in the development of Australia's slow-bowling stocks.

While MacGill will worry the selectors, what is equally concerning is the lack of slow bowlers around the country. That Brad Hogg is considered the next best option, at age 36, sums up Australia's predicament. Good on Hogg for resurrecting a career which seemed dead four years ago. But, really, shouldn't there be a 20-something legitimate wrist-spinning option around? Shouldn't there be a youngster emerging who was inspired by Warne to take up the leg-spinning craft in his teenage years? It appears not.

There might be a lack of quality young spinners in Australia's first-class ranks but the batting prospects remain strong. In the Daily Telegraph Tom Walshaw chats to one of the newbies on the scene, Phillip Hughes, 18, who debuted for New South Wales this week and is already being compared to another blond, spiky-haired New South Welshman.

But comparing Hughes to "Pup", or even fellow Blues opener Phil Jaques, is to overlook his own unique rise from bushie to Blue. An ascension completed with such speed, even Australian Test great John Dyson failed to recognise the debutant when presenting his NSW cap at the SCG on Tuesday.

There is still no sign of the ball that Adam Gilchrist struck to bring up his 100th Test six on Saturday.