Shaun Tait's untimely shoulder injury has left Australian cricket's fast bowling cupboard dangerously close to bare, forcing the selectors into a choice between goods that are either previously used or worryingly raw.

Slender NSW left-armer Nathan Bracken is likely to be drafted in to take Tait's berth during the World XI Super Test at the SCG, and as a known quantity would be a safe choice.

But beyond the ICC Super Series are six home Tests, three each against West Indies and South Africa.

They were the matches in which Tait, 22, was meant to have groomed his game as Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne slipped closer to retirement.

In his absence, an opportunity has opened for another, and the selectors should be compelled to give it to a younger paceman with a view to the future.

Former Australian quick Geoff Lawson said that with less to choose from than in past years, the selectors would be less concerned by the type of bowler than by how many wickets they were taking.

"You can get wrapped up in finding the right type of bowler, when it is really about taking wickets," he said.

"They're not looking for someone who can bowl a certain style, they just want a young pace bowler who can knock guys over."

Problem is, there simply aren't many young quicks pushing their case, a dearth that had made Tait very conspicuous indeed.

A glance at last season's leading first class wicket-takers showcases the difficulty.

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