The controversial Argus Review has placed Michael Clarke in an invidious position. By nominating three selectors, the captain, and the coach as the new national five-man panel, the Review has inhibited Clarke’s position as captain to the media.
Yesterday, Clarke publicly supported the retention of his beleaguered trio of Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin, and Mitchell Johnson for next week’s first Test against the Kiwis at the Gabba.
That’s fine, as captain.
But a definitive no-no as a selector, where only the chairman talks about selections after the side has been announced.
Tradition demands not one of the other panel members have a public opinion on players. But Clarke wears two senior caps in a conflict of interests.
Invidious alright, and just another reason why the captain and coach should never be selectors, just consulted before the panel sits down to finalise the team.
Cricket is unique when it comes to national selections.
In rugby league, Kangaroo coach Tim Sheens is essentially sole selector, and that’s how it should be. It’s his livelihood that’s on the line, and he sinks or swims on his ability to put the best side on the paddock.
In international rugby, there’s a three-man panel, but that’s just window dressing. Wallaby coach Robbie Deans gets who he wants in the lineup.
As does Holger Osieck with the Socceroos.
In the AFL there are selections panels, but again the coach is virtually in command.
While Davis Cup captain Pat Rafter has the last say. He too is in control, but on a much smaller scale in numbers.
In the professional era, there’s a lot to be said for the coach to be the sole selector. But that wouldn’t work in cricket circles with three different formats, and so many games the national coach would be battle weary watching tapes before he does his own job.
But a three-man full-time panel is the answer – John Inverarity in the chair with Rod Marsh and Andy Bichel – releasing captain Clarke and coach Mickey Arthur to do what they have been selected to do, with no restrictive extra strings attached.
That’s plain commonsense, and the sooner Cricket Australia wakes up to that fact the better.
It’s never too late to correct a mistake before it creates unnecessary problems and tension in the shed.
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