Predictably the old school of coaching ranks in Australian cricket has lampooned national mentor Mickey Arthur for standing down four players for not doing their homework.
Leading the charge is Usman Khawaja’s Queensland state coach Darren Lehmann, who is the flag-bearer for the philosophy of discussing tactics over a post-match beer rather than making written presentations.
“Adults we are , not schoolboys! Please let’s act properly and make good decisions in India! Need these boys playing,” Lehmann said on Twitter on Monday night.
Khawaja has played six Tests for 263 runs at an average of 29.22 and has been criticised by selectors for his lack of intensity in the field.
The left-hander had been set for a possible recall for Thursday’s third Test against India in Mohali following the poor form of Phil Hughes (25 runs at 6.25 in two matches).
But that’s out the window for the moment, as are the hopes of back-up quick Mitchell Johnson getting a call-up at the Mohali venue where he claimed a five-wicket haul in 2010.
As for James Pattinson and Shane Watson, they’re two key members of the Test eleven and their absence in the third Test leaves only 13 players available for selection in the 17-man squad.
Wicketkeeper Matthew Wade is in doubt with a sprained ankle, and offspinning allrounder Glenn Maxwell was expected to struggle to hold his place after being accused by Arthur of leaking runs in his debut match in last week’s second Test.
The pressure on Maxwell has now eased.
Standby wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who was flown over on Monday as cover for Wade, is likely to play as a specialist batsman if Wade is passed fit.
Former Test star Dean Jones was alarmed at Monday’s developments.
“Implications from these actions are serious.. I feel it is deeper than it appears. Aust are in trouble!!” Jones said on Twitter.
Ex-Test quick Damien Fleming added: “On a positive note Ed Cowans presentation has just been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize #CanWrite #GoEd #MohaliGateHomework”.
Arthur, who guided South Africa to the top ranking in Tests before moving to Australia, said he hoped Khawaja would learn from this week’s pain.
“This will be the catalyst I think for Usman Khawaja to realise we’re pretty serious in the Australian cricket team,” Arthur said.
Former Test strokeplayer Mark Waugh said it was ridiculous to dump four players for not filling in some forms.
“It’s certainly going to cause some discontent amongst the squad over in India,” Waugh told FoxSports.
“They want everybody to be on the same page and disciplined, but this has totally split up the group.
“How you come back from this sort of drama for the third and fourth Tests I don’t know.”
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