Congratulations to Adam Voges, who is finally playing Test cricket at the ripe young age of 35.
It’s been a long haul, which looked likely to never eventuate for the likeable West Australian, who took over the captaincy of his state in a time of crisis, and both he and the Warriors have blossomed.
He showed at times he had the credentials to be a good player at international level in one-day cricket, but his first-class performances have been frustratingly inconsistent over the years.
FULL AUSTRALIA vs WEST INDIES DAY 2 SCORECARD
However, in the 2014-15 domestic season, virtually every time he went out to bat for Western Australia he scored runs – and big runs at that.
In the Sheffield Shield final, played on a flat track in Hobart against Victoria, he was the standout batsman. He made a sublime century on the first day, shading the heroics of teammate Marcus Harris and former teammate Chris Rogers, the latter whom he has replaced in the Test team in the West Indies.
At the press conference to announce the Test squads for the West Indian and English tours, Head selector Rod Marsh said of Voges, “Every time I saw him bat, he didn’t look like getting out.”
Spot on.
In the end, despite being at an age where many athletes have either retired or are considering it, Voges had to be picked. He made so many runs that the selectors couldn’t ignore him any more.
Joe Burns, who was solid in his first two Tests against India, was unlucky not to be chosen and if he had have been on this tour he would have replaced the injured Rogers for the first Test.
Shaun Marsh though, who has also opened for many years for the Warriors, was moved up to that role. This allowed Voges to pip Mitch Marsh for the last batting position in the top six.
He has obviously not been chosen for the future, but for the present, with all the experience he brings.
Maybe he wasn’t ready for Test until now.
All players mature differently. With Rogers seen as a specialist in English conditions, even though Voges himself has also played plenty of county cricket, he might have to bide his time in England and even in the second Test in the West Indies, but he has his opportunity here, after waiting forever.
When Voges was told a year ago by coach Darren Lehmann that he wouldn’t be in the 2015 World Cup squad, it seemed his short international career was over. But this stylish player just put his head down and kept scoring runs for his beloved Western Australia, and now becomes one of the best cricket stories of the year.
Like Paul Keating said when he won the unwinnable election to remain Prime Minister in 1993, “This victory is one for the true believers.”
Bearfax
Guest
CT I certainly have no serious problem about Rogers and Voges being in the team. I would have liked younger players to be given the chance to get experience but both Rogers and Voges seem to me test quality players who have over a long period established strong averages and consistency. Good luck to them. They deserve their chance. But realistically they, and possibly Cowan are the only older crowd I would be considering.
CT
Guest
The Bush. I agree. Tough call on Burns. Should have made the squad. Bit hard now to argue over CA's choice. Burns still could make the Ashes squad in my view. if Shaun Marsh does not cement his place soon. Also if Burns gets runs in England and for our A side in India. Watson is now skating on very thin ice.
CT
Guest
If the bar is set to go higher . Then I do not envy the younger player who will now have to wait longer to get a go. As you say if you are still performing regardless of age then you deserve the rewards. Both Rogers and now Voges have proven that.
Don Freo
Guest
Yep...could have them all out for 147 if we had Fawad.
Perry Bridge
Guest
Both Voges and Rogers could easily have been pushed aside at Shield level on the idea of giving opportunity to the next generation. However - when 35 yrs old isn't too old so long as form and fitness warrant - then that sets the bar all the higher for the next generation.
The Bush
Roar Guru
I don't think anyone was really doubting his ability. Rather it's just somewhat frustrating and odd that he gets picked ahead of the last guy who is 10 years younger and had a fine Test in his last outing and could used this as a platform to step up into the side for the next decade (I'm talking about Burns).
CT
Guest
Terrific knock by the man who many said was too old for test cricket. I have to admit I was one of them. Yes the 35 year old West Aussie proved that age has no barriers with a superb maiden test century on debut. He defied all the Windies could throw at him. In particular, their clever leggie Davendra Bishoo. He had the "baggies" in awful trouble with a superb spell in the first session when he dismissed Steve Smith, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin in quick succession. Watson was out to a poor shot while Haddin copped a beauty. He simply outfoxed Smith with guile. Makes me think what Fawad Ahmed could have done on this pitch. CA missed a trick not picking him in my view.
Bearfax
Guest
Unlike many of the 30 something batsmen the selectors have tried using in recent years including one S. Marsh, Voges deserves to be there based on his first class efforts. I hope the selectors are mindful of this when the Ashes tour starts.