I’ll make this short. How on earth could Joe Burns be overlooked yet again for the Sydney Test?
Who is actually selecting these players? I want names because this has become a sick farce.
I am not going to repost the statistics for Burns vs others because we all know the story. His numbers demand he is selected – especially in relation to the wannabes that are currently being selected.
OK, I have come up with only three possible reasons that Joe Burns will again be watching a Test match on the television whilst batsmen with less talent, poorer records and whom have had many more chances to perform are selected in his place.
Here are my three reasons:
1. He failed Justin Langer’s ‘Good-Bloke’ test (whatever that involves);
2. Justin Langer does not consider him son-in-law material and hence, he wouldn’t be able to marry one of Langer’s daughters;
3. Langer is keeping the opening spots safe so that David Warner and his love-child, Cam Bancroft can return and walk straight back into the Test XI, no fuss, no mess. Because of this he cannot afford to give Joe Burns a chance lest he actually scores runs and subsequently, becomes undroppable. The result would be that Bancroft at least will be required to actually earn his place on merit.
Now, I am no conspiracy theorist, however, this is testing me big time.
Australia is fielding one of its weakest batting line-ups since World Series Cricket. Despite this, one of the country’s most promising and successful young batsmen continues to ride the pine.
If anyone out there can give me a logical reason why Joe Burns is continually overlooked for selection during this period that Bancroft and Warner are banned I am ready to listen.
Medic
Roar Rookie
Its unfortunate but probably safe to say that if maxwell, burns or wade don't get picked for the SL series there test career's are over?
Drew Lawrence
Roar Rookie
Here’s another one, Homer “Look those suckers on land with thier laws, they’ll never know the simple joys of a monkey knife fight.” Moe, “ Thurst, move, stab stab stab, oh ho, he ain’t pretty no more”, Also Skinner saids the teachers will crack at any minute , purple monkey dishwasher.
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
Yeah nice Drew…. for me, ‘Homerpalooza’ was a favourite, especially this exchange: Billy Corgan: “…Hey cannonball, I like your statement: when life takes a cheap shot at you, you stand your ground. Billy Corgan, Smashing Pumpkins.” Homer: “Homer Simpson, smiling politely’.” Pure genius.
Drew Lawrence
Roar Rookie
Actually just remembered what my favourite line is. Goons, hired Goons! Hired Goons?
Drew Lawrence
Roar Rookie
Too many to mention, but Mr Burns saying “Bring him to me” is a favourite. Doh is up there, Dental plan, Lisa needs braces is also a favourite. Homer at the bat is my favourite episode.
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
You are being far too kind Drew, but I agree re: The Simpsons... you can never have too many Simpsons references... what's your favourite Simpsons line btw?
Drew Lawrence
Roar Rookie
Hell yeah, always loved the simpsons references on this site, but the fact that you turned into a brilliant title for a excellent article is just brilliant and my hat goes off to you. Wish I thought of it. Congrats Anti-Don you’re the King
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
Thanks Dave... not sure exactly what you are referring to in regards to the 100 in Grade cricket but if it the comments I made in reply to Anon's post about Matt Renshaw, it was a triple century (345 i think from memory) and I did preface the statement with 'albeit...' but I agree it doesn't hold much water in terms of Test selection... the point I was trying to make was that he hadn't lost touch completely during that time.
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
Another Moleman...)
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Justine Langer tells batsmen to go back to Shield & make runs. Then, if they do, he still picks his mates. States it is "like a soap opera". More like a comedy. Michael Cheika would do a better job. Then perhaps not.
DaveJ
Roar Rookie
Good points, except scoring 100 in grade cricket is neither here nor there in Test selection.
Drew Lawrence
Roar Rookie
I was saying Boourns
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
I did not know that Dingo but that does not at all surprise me....like I said, I'm not adverse to seeing Handscombe selected again for the Test team... I just think that right now he needs to sort his technique issues out and score some runs .. preferably in red-ball cricket.
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
It’s a good point Extra.. I was sort of waiting for someone to bring this up about Laird. Whilst he may never have scored a test century, he surely was one of the toughest batsmen to have ever faced a ball for Australia… that 92 he scored vs WI was worthy of a double-hundred at least.
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
Yep Will, I too agree that Renshaw has also been done over bably by the selectors... on multiple occasions. I think that Reason # 3 given in my article above might explain his continuing omission.. especially when you consider the shameless way that Langer behaved in putting pressure on Renshaw's test spot through the media (whilst in the position of WA Coach... something unheard of previously in Australia) in the lead up games to the start of last summer's Ashes tests... all so that his love-child Bancroft got his spot... and that particular decision turned out to be an inspiring one.. as usual.
The Anti-Don
Roar Rookie
Agree completely Ryan… I posted a reply to another poster’s comments (Anon) about who has been most hard done by selection wise and I couldn’t separate Maxwell, Burns and Renshaw…. and although I was never a huge Callum Ferguson fan, in a different Roar Post recently which was discussing what the Australia XI vs Sri Lanka should be, I advocated for giving him a crack…. given how he was so harshly treated after his one and only test to date.
Extra Short Leg
Roar Rookie
Exactly. In the current climate, we should be picking our best top six batsmen, a keeper and four bowlers. Others have stated the same.
Extra Short Leg
Roar Rookie
It's also worth noting the great WI fast bowlers rated Laird. He scored runs against some of the greatest express bowlers the world has ever seen. He was a tough opener.
Drew Lawrence
Roar Rookie
Came for the title stayed for the article. I know bugger all about cricket but this article made a lot of sense. Loved it
Will
Guest
I think Renshaw is the most shafted here. Scored 184 in Sydney against Pakistan in 2017. Had a decent Indian series given the context and scores in the series. Shaft #1 - Gets dropped for the Ashes because he doesnt score a 100 in the first handful of games for QLD then goes on to score over 800 runs for the season topping the charts including 3 centuries and an 80 odd in the final. Goes to England and plays county and averages over 50 including another 3 centuries. Shaft #2 - Doesnt get picked against Pakistan because of the concussion not allowing him "enough time in the middle" but they dont release him to come home and play domestically. Doesn't score a 100 in the first few shield games (and makes a decent 89 against WA), but in grade cricket he averages 162 with 3 hundreds including a 300. Add to this the fact he scored a grade hundred in January. The bloke had 10 centuries to his name in 2018 with 6 first class centuries. Tell me another Aussie batsmen that has produced like this in 2018?