I haven’t said this too often. In-fact i’m not sure i’ve ever said it, but here goes. Well done to the Australian selectors. Okay, that wasn’t as bad as I thought.
Lost in the glow of 18 year old paceman Patrick Cummins’ selection in the 15-man squad to play two Tests against South Africa next month was the fact the selection panel seems to have a plan to ensure all our players are in top condition before they take on the Proteas.
The selectors have been criticised in the past for allowing fringe players to be glorified net bowlers for long periods of time on tour.
That was often followed by drop-jawed disbelief when these players were suddenly short of match-fitness when unexpectedly called upon due to injury or the poor form of others.
Who’d have thought?
Well, it seems times have changed and the Sheffield Shield will actually be treated like a proper competition with International players allowed to compete in it and use it to fine-tune their skills.
Ryan Harris and Michael Beer will be left behind when the squad departs on October 27.
“Beer will remain in Australia until after the tour game in South Africa. He will then join the squad in time to be available for selection in the first Test in Cape Town,” outgoing NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch said.
“This will give Michael the opportunity to play two Bupa Sheffield Shield matches for Western Australia before joining the squad and will ensure he and Nathan Lyon will have plenty of bowling ahead of the start of the Test series.
“Ryan Harris will also not travel with the squad which will allow him to play in Queensland’s match against Tasmania at the Gabba from 25-28 October.
“It’s also likely that after the start of the second Test in South Africa, players from the squad who miss selection may return to Australia so they can play for their states or Australia A and be match ready for the start of the Vodafone Test Series against New Zealand in Australia.”
Well … that is both logical and impressive.
Far too often players have been relegated to carrying drinks or throwing balls at batsmen in the nets when they should’ve been back home improving their game.
With South Africa and India to come this summer and the Ashes in England next year, it’s great to see small signs of change.
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