Chadd Sayers’ form entitled him to an explanation for his omission from the Australian Test squad for the South African tour, says Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland.
A disappointed and frustrated Sayers was critical of selectors after being overlooked for the four-match tour in March, claiming on Monday he had not been provided clarity around the decision having first heard on social media.
He said head selector Trevor Hohns had not returned his call by Monday evening – some six hours after the squad announcement – and Sutherland believes Sayers deserves an explanation.
“I think Chadd is performing at a level at the moment and he has, to be fair, over the course of the last couple of seasons, been very, very strong and is clearly knocking on the door,” Sutherland told 3AW.
“He’s been in and around the team. He’s been selected in Test squads and I think he’s a player who should know exactly where he stands.
“And I think that if that hasn’t happened, it should be happening.”
South Australian Sayers, who has led the Sheffield Shield for wickets over the past season-and-a-half with 79 scalps, formed a part of the Ashes squad as a reserve for the opening Tests.
Speaking at the naming of the squad, Hohns admitted Sayers had been unlucky as fellow uncapped paceman Jhye Richardson, who has played five first-class matches, won a berth.
Sutherland said the selectors’ failure to inform Sayers did not indicate an on-going problem with their communication.
“I don’t think it’s a growing problem. I think it’s something there will always be mutterings about those communications,” he said.
“Selectors work hard on trying to communicate with players as best as they can – those who are in the mix, those who are in the team, those who are out of the team.
“From time to time, this can be an issue, but I don’t have a major concern about that.
“In fact, I think we’re probably as meticulous and organised and deliberate about those communications today as we’ve ever been.”
Meanwhile, former Test captain Allan Border defended selectors for their treatment of Sayers.
“You can’t be ringing everyone who misses out on the national team,” Border told Fox Sports.
“It was just an oversight. I’m sure that Trevor Hohns will give Chadd a call over the next couple of days just to explain his omission.”
Todd Shan
Guest
The key ingredient missing right now is "trust". The players rightly know they can't trust the present board including Sutherland and as long as Peever has any involvement in cricket, this situation won't change. The four key CA players who managed to create this shambles should go - Sutherland, Peever, Roberts and Pat Howard. At least one of the Board's positions should be filled by an ex-Test player, male or female and then hopefully, relationships can start to mend
Big Daddy
Guest
Bit lame of Sutherland to come out and make a statement on this. Very obvious the selectors and also Pat Howard who gives himself the title executive General manager high performance. Jesus - what a waste of space this guy is.
Clelo
Guest
Poor form for Sutherland to put in his two bobs worth. If there are selectors and a chairman of same ther Sutherland should keep his mouth shut. He has directly underminded them and whether he is right or wrong he should never do that. No wonder we have strikes or threats of samee with a goose like him at the helm.
Basil
Guest
I get it… shut up, tow the party line, and we won’t pick you anyway. Ultimate control.
Bobbo7
Guest
yes, sadly McGrath and a bowler like Hadlee would have no show of being selected these days.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
You'll find that this was the case through the 80s when players were paid and the players association was started in the late 90s so players did have a voice and were paid for their talents!
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
So, how then does Bird get to tour? Last time I saw Jackson hit 140, he was driving down the freeway.
Basil
Guest
Yeah, the good ol' days when players were underpaid and didn't have a voice. Ah, the good ol' days...
BurgyGreen
Guest
Hmm the Smith/Maxwell "catch-up" sounded a lot like a PR move. Don't think it provides any insight into their relationship.
BurgyGreen
Guest
I think the reason he wasn't called is because if the selectors are honest, the only thing they can say to him is "you're not fast enough for us and we'll never pick you unless it's a day/nighter at Adelaide and we've had two injuries". I think it's pretty clear that they don't rate anyone who can't hit 140.
marfu
Guest
Hohns, as Rampaging Roy Slaven would say, is "Too old, too slow, too stupid". Same goes for Chappell and Lehmann is well past his "Best Before Date" as evidenced by their ODI squad selections without taking anything away from what is a very good English side. Their man management has been appalling all season and they need to go.
marfu
Guest
+2
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Ahh. For the good old days when selectors selected the team/squad and no questions were entered into. Could say the same about the umps as well when the response to an appeal was a not out or out with no explanations.
Basil
Guest
+1
Linphoma
Guest
Not having heard the full interview it seems strange Sutherland should be weighing in with his take on the whole selection courtesy thing.
jameswm
Guest
Understood AB that you can't call everyone, but for those who have been int he squad lately, you might want to reconsider that. And that means Wade, Sayers, Agar, Maxwell and maybe one or two others. CA/the selectors should be in regular communication with them. They should be telling the players what the selectors want to see to really push their name forward. Good to see Smith caught up with Maxi for coffee the other day. So much for them not getting on. And Hohns hasn't bothered to return his call?