Twenty20 player Stephen O’Keefe has branded the controversial rotation policy as guesswork, but ruefully admits he wouldn’t mind it being extended to spinners.
The resting and management of players has been a hot topic throughout the summer with most established cricketers getting a break at some stage.
O’Keefe drew a big round of applause on Friday when he supported what most cricket followers probably believe – the now seemingly radical policy of choosing your strongest available XI at all times.
“You just think will the team suffer by not playing (someone) and then a player getting injured, it’s all guesswork,” O’Keefe said at the Northcott Cricket Legends lunch in Sydney.
“I just think your 11 best fit players should be playing.
“I think, as a public, we deserve it and I think, as a player, you have earned your right to stay there and play.
“I’d like to see it remain that simple.”
Asked if the players understood how the policy works, a candid O’Keefe said “no, I don’t think they understand it.
“It would be nice if they rotated a few more spinners.
“I think there is a lot of grey area and I certainly don’t envy the coaching staff, the selectors or the physios who are put in this position and are trying to rotate through quicks.”
O’Keefe was considered a chance to make the four-Test tour of India, but missed out behind Nathan Lyon and Xavier Doherty.
Sidelined by a split webbing injury, O’Keefe said Doherty’s bowling would suit Indian conditions.
“I think (England spinner) Monty Panesar had great success over there bowling fast and accurately and I think that’s the reason why the Australian selectors have gone with Doherty,” O’Keefe said.
“I think his international (record) in one-day cricket certainly holds up.”
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
Featuring Aussie cricket star Usman Khawaja and taking inspiration from multiple horror films, Amazon Prime's promo for the 2024 T20 World Cup has certainly…
After a career that has spanned more than two decades, James Anderson leaves cricket as a legend of the game, up there with the…
Calvin Harrison mixed things up in his delivery stride starting behind the-non-striker, then going between the umpire and the stumps to deliver the ball…
Backing up too far, the Dehli Capitals batsman was caught out of his crease when Shai Hope hit the ball to the bowler who…
After some mid-over words between the Indian teammates as Kohli belted Shama for 10 runs in two balls, the bowler had the last laugh…
The TV Umpire ruled that the batsman deliberately changed his line to block the throw at the stumps.
