The national selection panel face as tough a task as they did prior to the first Test in finding a suitable replacement for the hamstrung Usman Khawaja ahead of the third Test in Adelaide.
The list of candidates is long, though three stand out above the rest in WA opener Cameron Bancroft, his state skipper Shaun Marsh, and seemingly to a lesser degree, domestic journeyman Michael Klinger.
At 35 and with a first class average below 40, Klinger could hardly be aggrieved if he were to miss out on selection, but perhaps it’s not so clear cut.
The alarming stats of the amount of runs he has made at Shield level in the past 12 months (1,270 in 18 innings) are the main credentials supporting his claim. But the fact is that once Khawaja is fit, he will return to the side likely at the expense of whoever it is that replaces him now.
Now this might just be where Klinger’s age works in his favour.
Why not – instead of picking a 32-year-old repeat offender or an exciting young talent that will probably be removed in five weeks’ time – pick a 35-year-old in the form of his life?
If he is to be replaced in time for the Boxing Day Test, Klinger could at least find solace in the fact he was given an opportunity when he could have done little more to deserve it.
Adding to the theory is that players picked in their twilight years rarely cough up an opportunity they’ve craved so long. Chris Rogers and Adam Voges are two shining examples of such. Whereas another contender for the vacant position, Glenn Maxwell undoubtedly has the talent but might not have the temperament yet for Test cricket.
There are certainly viable reasons for the other two. Both seem good characters and proven run scorers. But Marsh’s hot and cold nature and the desire to give Bancroft an extended run when he does get an opportunity surely open the door for Klinger to be given a shot. After all, age is just a number.
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