It will be a surprise at the toss tomorrow if the Australian XI is unchanged. Following photo shoots with his brother and high praise from Darren Lehmann, Mitch Marsh appears certain to return to the Test team.
However, Australian selectors should look at their captain when determining their final selection.
The unconfirmed (but almost certain) exclusion of Peter Handscomb has been widely criticised.
Handscomb’s previous success at Test level being the prominent argument for his retention.
After all, he has compiled quite the resume during his 12 months in Test cricket, including an average of 47.35, two centuries against Pakistan, 82 in Bangladesh, which cost him 4.5kg and 72 not out to save a Test match in India
Although, Handscomb’s recent form slump has left him vulnerable to the selector’s axe, just like Matt Renshaw.
Unlike Renshaw, his replacement has not banged down the door.
The selector’s need to keep the faith when the proposed replacement has not demanded selection.
So, they must look to the past, in order to benefit the future.
(AAP Image/Dan Peled)
This time four years ago, Steve Smith was in a similar position.
Australia were 2-0 up in their quest to regain the Ashes. Smith was batting at number five, but struggled in Brisbane and Adelaide. 31, 0, 6 and 23* to begin the series, the pressure was on Smith to deliver.
Earlier in the year, Smith scored 92 in Mohali, 89 in Manchester and a maiden century, 138* at the Oval.
Enough to show he had the ability to succeed at Test level.
However, with an unusual technique, Smith looked extremely awkward when dismissed or worked over by high quality bowling.
Sound familiar?
I am not saying Handscomb will become the next Steve Smith.
But, he too could reap the rewards of the selector’s keeping the faith.
Handscomb has shown he can succeed at Test level and who knows?
Just like Smith four years ago, a WACA century could be awaiting.
Chris
Guest
Yeah, so this hasn't aged well...
Egbirt
Guest
Doesn't the visiting captain call the toss? In which chase Smith doesn't have much say...but I may be wrong
Linphoma
Guest
The likes of Bradman, Benaud, the Waugh bros, Ponting, Hayden, Langer, Martyn - all got dropped and came back bigger and better. I want to see Peter Handscomb come back bigger and better too.
Curious George
Guest
Australia getting absolutely pounded at the moment As I predicted. Smith can teven win a toss this series, pretty much giving England test match already, We wont be onyl 1 down for 50, try at least 3. Mitch Marsh is a walking wicket too.
Curious George
Guest
Don Freo....would you say that he is pretty much a dolt and a jigger? Or is Maxwell the saviour that will bless this Australian XI Maxwell will not play this summer, the sooner you get over this fact the better. Australia to narrowly lose the 3rd test. You herd it hear first :)
Paul
Roar Guru
really well put, Jamesb. It's hard to have a sense of confidence in the selectors when they make what appear to be, knee-jerk decisions. Hopefully Handscomb stay, gets runs, we bowl England out twice without the quicks getting injured, win the Ashes and put this issue behind us
Don Freo
Guest
It's probably worth reading Smith's own comments about Handscomb. Why Roarers imagine Smith is lying and they know better is just strange. Smith is a fan of Handscomb...and for what it is worth, I would play Handscomb today...and Smith has indicated that might happen if the pitch is not dead. So many conspiracy ideas, discordance in sub-texts and suspicion. Why not trust stuff? The DogsBoddy and Curious George types do not know more than Steve Smith about Smith's own motives. Why do some Roarers align themselves with these unknowing complainers?
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
It would almost have the feel of the first Phil Hughes dropping, where a couple of awkward looking dismissals saw him dropped despite averaging over 50 in tests at that point. I think that messed with his head and meant it took him a lot longer to work through those things than it probably would have if they'd shown some faith in him. Renshaw was the right call, he just couldn't buy a run and it was hard to see how he could suddenly turn that around at the higher level against a quality, experienced attack, but Handscomb hasn't reached that point yet. I think he's got to work out a way to get past his issues over the next few tests or his position could be in doubt, but he needs a bit more time. However, the talk about him being dropped isn't so much about him. It's about the thought of potentially wanting the extra bowler for the Perth test. If they do that, a batsman has to be dropped, and while Handscomb, ordinarily, hasn't done enough to be dropped, if they are going to have to drop a batsman to bring in the extra bowler, then suddenly he looks the weakest link. Pretty hard to drop Shaun Marsh after his returns in the first two tests. If the question of the "allrounder" hadn't come up, he would be guaranteed this test. So with that the reason, it wouldn't so much be knee-jerk as just unfortunate timing. Of course, if they are going to make that call purely because the WACA is another road, then, unless Mitch has a blinder, they should instantly drop him and bring back Handscomb for the next match, just like they would for a second spinner brought in for the Sydney test. (Though, hopefully they'll be comfortable enough that it's not another road, but a pitch with enough in it for the bowlers, that Mitch is considered surplus to requirements and Handscomb plays!)
JamesH
Roar Guru
I dunno. At that point Smith had recent form, despite a couple of cheap dismissals in the previous two tests. Handscomb has just seemed lost in an unwinnable battle with his own mind. I have no issue with persisting with a player when you can see what they have to offer, and I think Handscomb still has plenty to give to test cricket. He's clearly a fighter and may even be a future captain. What I don't like is sticking with someone who looks like they have forgotten how to stand at the batting crease. That sort of persistence can cause more harm than good. He's being set up for failure because it's almost impossible to succeed while you're changing your batting stance between - or even during - innings. Sometimes it's kinder to give someone a spell away from the spotlight to reset themselves than it is to keep picking them. The key is to do it the right way so that you don't crush the player's confidence and I'm not sure I trust our selectors to deliver the message properly.
jamesb
Guest
Good article The selectors don't show much faith towards the new incoming batsmen. After the Hobart debacle last year, the selectors picked Renshaw, Handscomb and Maddinson. If Handscomb is dropped, then we are back to square one, and the side only has two established batsmen, while Khawaja is not picked for the subcontinent tests. And what happens if Bancroft fails twice in the next couple of games? Do the selectors drop him as well? Australia may win the Ashes, but the batting line up will be prone to weaknesses for many years to come, especially on the road, unless the selectors start to pick and stick
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Handscomb being dropped stinks to high heaven. Is this the new order in Australian cricket, play a couple of quiet innings and get dropped for someone the selectors "think" might do well. What an absolute farce.
Curious George
Guest
"Captain" Smith is the biggest snowflake in the Aussie side. No question. Whingy and moaning in the field, a permanent constipated look on his face. Not a leader at all. He needs to stand by his players and back them not nod his head to selectors and put on the big boy voice for the camera. Mitch Marsh has been given a million chances and will remain in the XI even if he posts twin golden ducks in the 3rd test and takes no wickets. Its the boys club thru n thru. Captain and vice captain of Australia need to stand up and protect their players and not be primping for the camera getting ready for their next terrible acting on various commercials.
Brett McKay
Expert
Agree with all this. Handscomb being dripped reeks of knee jerk reaction to me...