We were clearly dominated early in the second Test. India have outplayed us in every facet of this Test match and series thus far. However, I won’t blame our players.
It isn’t fair on them; they’re busting a gut out there and doing their best.
What isn’t our best, though, is the XI we’ve selected. When does the buck end and will the NSP be forced to take responsibility for their obvious shortcomings?
I think all of us knew that Doherty and Maxwell would be out of their league here. Alas, they were.
Ed Cowan’s had 15 Tests now and somehow continues to get selected as a specialist Test batsmen with an average of 32. He must be the best bloke of all time, that’s the only reason I can come up with to justify his extended inclusions.
Michael Clarke is certainly among the best players and captains in the world. But I cannot figure why that isn’t being translated into good selection.
He is a member of the NSP and ultimately he needs the best XI to suit his tactics on the pitch. But he isn’t picking, or isn’t being allowed to pick, the players we have among the ranks that will get the job done.
We have the seasoned and in-form Chris Rogers resting his feet on the coffee table at home, watching Fox Sports with a sense of bewilderment.
Usman Khawaja continues to warm the bench and gets rare and short opportunities to score big or get dropped, yet Cowan gets never-ending chances.
Steve O’Keefe is clearly the best performed domestic spinner over the last four or five seasons straight. Why he hasn’t been in India from the get-go is a total mystery.
The bottom line is that the NSP needs to be held accountable for their failings. They have a simple job. Pick the best team.
Yet it’s obvious to all of us at home that Cowan, Doherty and Maxwell are nowhere near that standard.
As the figurehead, the director and top dog of the NSP, John Inverarity, for the sake of the precious baggy green, announce your resignation, effective immediately.
You, Sir, have thrown away an undeserved Test cap far too many, and hopefully for the last of times.
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