At 33 years of age and as a solid contributor across all formats, Moises Henriques has been right under our noses for some time.
And, indeed, carrying the drinks for 11 other noses at times in this Test series.
Yet even with recent Shield form, for some odd reason Henriques is barely mentioned when Test selection is discussed.
Now, if Will Pucovski were to be out injured, either Matt Wade could again fill the position as a ‘final chance’ or Marcus Harris – who averages just shy of 40 across 19 Tests – could be reintroduced as an opener.
Given Travis Head’s current enforced absence, and Wade’s low numbers, it does open the door for Henriques to cast the drinks aside. In October 2020, Henriques was making centuries for NSW in Shield cricket.
Henriques has only worn the baggy green on four occasions, between 2013-2016, so his batting average of 23 doesn’t provide much of an indication as to his current form and ability. Interestingly though, his highest score of 81* came against India – in India.
Both Wade and Henriques are 33 years of age – but look at Paine who is 36. Instead of 33-year-olds being seen as on the way out, gap-fillers, they may instead bring consistency to an often shaky middle-order while the young guard mature.
Given Henriques’ versatility in the field with ball in hand, taking wickets, he’d be the preferred option – especially with the new rule allowing a wicketkeeper to be substituted, meaning there is no need to keep Wade in the starting XI.
Matthew Wade (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Head averages 39.75 and is only 27 years old – he will be back. Undoubtedly, he will be working on technique and finding form in other formats (if and when the BBL ever finishes). For now though, opportunities present for others.
The timing to select Henriques would be perfect. The Australian bowlers are surely exhausted both mentally and physically after the events of Day 5 at the SCG.
With Cameron Green being gently eased into the rigours of Test cricket, why not pick a bloke who can bowl some decent fast-medium pace to provide additional support to our fatiguing attack?
Henriques is a senior leader at state level and brings a level-headedness that would certainly appeal to the selectors, and public, given the recent shenanigans in Sydney. Sometimes ‘pick and stick’ won’t win you a series.
Henriques, keep putting your hand up. Australian selectors, pick him.
The Sports Lover
Roar Rookie
You’re quite right JohnB. I stupidly used Wikipaedia for my data instead of cricinfo. I agree with every point you’ve made and while he seems like a nice bloke and has a terrific white ball record over a long career, that’s not enough to break your way into the Australian Test side.
JohnB
Roar Rookie
He's played 4 tests (I think 3 against India and 1 against SL, all away). He did indeed start really well with 68 and 81* against India. His subsequent 6 test innings netted 15 runs. That's 15 in total, not an average over the period. His overall test average is 23.42. That 17 overs for 1-48 on debut was also a perfectly decent return for a batting all-rounder. Unfortunately, in his next 3 tests he bowled a total of about 35 overs (almost all against India - he bowled only 2 overs against SL) for a total of 1/116, leaving him with 2 test wickets at 82. So test figures are probably not the best place to be trying to make a case for Henriques. The "goes to water" thing - I don't know whether there's any basis for that or not. There are 2 other arguments I'd use - hardly bowls so he should get very few "bonus points" for that and should be considered only as a batsman, and as a batsman big scores only come when the conditions are right in his favour. In making that comment on his batting, I'd have to acknowledge I haven't looked at whether it could fairly apply to his 2019-20 Shield season, when he certainly had a good season. If that argument couldn't fairly be made, I'd then say one good (but nothing like Voges level great) Shield season shouldn't get you in the Test team at his age.
The Sports Lover
Roar Rookie
But does he really go to water? He has only played in one Test, against India in India. He scored 61 in the first innings and 81 NOT OUT in the second innings. His bowling figures were 1/48. Just saying’.....
Big Daddy
Guest
Langer wanted Henriques and Abbott in the squad so they couldn't play BBL . Still a sandgroper at heart !????
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
So why have him in the squad at all then? That's my question...
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
But who are Henriques and Abbott providing cover for? Perhaps if Green fell down a flight of stairs tonight they might get a run?
Mooty
Roar Rookie
I can remember Maxwell carrying drinks on many occasions during Test series, he’s another example of selectors lack of faith or their own inability to cast wider for new talent
Steve Page
Guest
Six weeks ago I felt like the only person who knew Burns, Wade, and Head would fail. Selectors are supposed to know more than fans but too often let fans down. I haven’t seen one sand shoe crusher from a wayward Starc in three tests but watch the selectors do nothing.
Rohan
Roar Rookie
Hear hear! Good points succinctly put.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Henriques has consistently demonstrated that he goes to water when the pressure is on. That's why he doesn't get picked.
bowledover
Roar Rookie
I get it... but my point is, Neser has been warming a seat in the shed for far tooo long. Id love to see him bowl at the gabba.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
I assume the additional players in the squad provided back up in case of injuries. Henriques, Abbott & Neser are all similar players although Moises bats higher for NSW. Neser regularly takes the new ball for Queensland & invariably obtains a breakthrough in his opening spell. He would be my choice although I admit to being biased.
bowledover
Roar Rookie
This. Although, at present covid has made things weird. But in general, whats the point of picking blokes if they arent going to get a run...same for someone like Neser...
Christo the Daddyo
Roar Rookie
Except that being an all-rounder is an asset. What I don’t understand is why he’s in the squad if he’s not any real chance of being selected. If the selectors are going to include players in the squad with no intention of selecting them to play, I’d rather they give that spot to a young player for development purposes.
Tony
Roar Guru
Nice first article KH. Welcome to the jungle. Moises appears to be one of those players always on the fringes of selection. Perhaps he would have had more success if he'd just focused on batting over the years and avoided the "all rounder" tag.