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.
anon
Guest
Khawaja just doesn't have "the look" does he for some old, out of touch, arrogant, ex-private school principal like Inverarity. Cowan on the other hand seems to have turned in to his pet project. As though he's trying to prove that you can come from a $30,000 a year high school and be tough and gritty too.
TheGenuineTailender
Roar Guru
He's clearly among the top two or three batting talents in the country. Yet isn't selected as one of the best five or six. It beggars belief really.
John Nischke
Guest
At least Brad Hodge came when Australia Cricket ruled the world and players like Waugh, Ponting, Gilchrist, Hayden to name a few were our top six. Same can be argued about McGill. Khawaja gets a raw deal for players like, Cowan, Quiney or even Marsh, who were given more than two games or atleast a series to shine. Hussey even said he needs to be given time to shine. Khawja is usually called in as a replacement and then shoved off after one game. Can anyone imagine how much under pressure this young lad be in. This is the tactic being used against him.. I am just surpirised that I can only see it that way. Systematic approach to destroy a young players mindframe. Hopefully Khawja can overcome this obstacle and shine for Australia for very long time as a great batsman.
TheGenuineTailender
Roar Guru
It's a disgrace. Luckily he's still young or we'd likely be witnessing a new generation Brad Hodge.
John Nischke
Guest
I hope everyone beside me can see that raw deal Khawaja receives. Either its a personal thing or just because of the type of person he is. No other explanation can be given that is in the way of Khawja getting a decent chance to like it has been afforded to Quiney, Marsh, Cowan or Hughes....People can make up there on mind.