Moises Henriques disagreed with George Bailey when informed of his remarkable slide down the Test pecking order, but the allrounder appreciated the chief selector’s honesty.
Henriques was arguably the most notable omission from Australia’s Test squad and a list of Australia A players named by Bailey’s panel earlier this month.
Of the 19-man group set to tour South Africa earlier this year, Henriques, James Pattinson (retired) and Will Pucovski (concussion) are the only members who weren’t invited to an Ashes bootcamp in Brisbane.
Henriques, gearing up to lead Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Sunday as they shoot for a third straight BBL title, hasn’t given hope of extending his four-Test career.
“I have a different view to what the selectors do,” Henriques said.
“To be picked on one test Tour, and be told that I was there and thereabouts to be playing on that tour, then the next Test tour rolls around and you’re not in the best 25.
“It’s a huge fall, considering I hadn’t played any other four-day games or (Sheffield) Shield games in that break.
“I didn’t agree with the process of it all.
“I didn’t really understand the logic.
“But it’s not my job to understand the logic either.
“It’s just my job to go out and keep playing as well as I can.”
Henriques only marked his red-ball return in the recent Shield match at the SCG, at which point teammates Nathan Lyon and Sean Abbott were already quarantining in Queensland.
The veteran returned home from the IPL when hotel quarantine was still required in Sydney then spent time with wife Krista and son Archie during the Blues’ second Shield game.
“I still believe if I score enough runs, keep banging the door down and keep doing what I know I can do well, then I’ll still play another Test match for Australia,” Henriques said.
Communication between players and selectors has been a bugbear of the former under countless regimes at Cricket Australia.
Henriques made it clear he had no complains in that regard, noting “there’s been a lot of communication” between him and former teammate Bailey.
“I obviously have a lot of respect for him as a person first and foremost” he said.
“It also means we’re not going to always agree, and it’s completely fine.
“That’s a good sign of a good working relationship, when you can both air what you think.
“You don’t necessarily agree, but you both understand that is OK, we’ve got to move forward.
“There was nothing offensive said from either party … I don’t think any less of him and hopefully he doesn’t think any less of me.
“Even when he’s delivering bad news … he’s been honest and told me his point of view.”
Tony
Roar Guru
I'm afraid that there's far too much at STEAK, in what should be a SIZZLING summer of cricket, to have an amateur running the team John.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
I was talking to George Bailey during a rain delay at a Shield final at Alan Border Field a couple of years ago & he seemed impressed with my knowledge of the game so even though it’s too late( Carole King) for a career as a Test player, perhaps a coaching role may be appropriate. I certain wouldn’t BUTCHER the opportunity.
Wh
Guest
Im sorry, why is there so much hatred for Moises?? Anyone that has followed the shield or any other domestic cricket should knows he's been close to the best in recent years. It was between head, maddo, khawaja and him and he was looking very likely to play in the SA tour. Absolutely right to feel gutted. A long time performer and leader. 2 t20 tours where only Mitch marsh performed cant be the reason surely. Everyone is too happy with the same team that lost to India playing all over again.
Tony
Roar Guru
There's no point MINCING words here John. We can both consider ourselves unlucky not to make the CUT.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
I think the selectors should be GRILLED into openly providing the fans with an explanation as to your non inclusion. Perhaps it’s as simple as you didn’t MEAT the level required, similarly I was overlooked & my 7-7 including a hat trick I took in junior cricket still never helped my cause. On the bright side, had I been given an opportunity, some of the greats of the game would have missed out.
Tony
Roar Guru
John, so essentially what you are telling me is that my test aspirations have been rissoled, and that I’ve been chopped from the list of potential candidates.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Good morning Tony. I hate to be a killjoy however the “BBQ component” of your CV is not going to stand you in good stead. In fact, it could be the reason your Test cricket ambitions “hit a snag”. Apologies if I have used that pun before however I am approaching the age where the memory may be a little erratic.
Tony
Roar Guru
John, as for "skills to the table" I'll have you know that I graduated with flying colours from the Paul Vaughan BBQ Academy. I'm not so sure about the 110% effort criteria though, as being a glass half full type of person, 50% has always been plenty.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
To use yet another silly phrase Tony, what” skills do you bring to the table “? Also are you able to give 110%? If not, that possibly explains why the selectors never gave you consideration. John Gleeson & some time ago, Bert Irenmonger for Australia & Colin Cowdrey for England received their respective call ups at a mature age so don’t give up hope completely. I recall Cowdrey in his late 30’s brought over as an injury replacement & given the task of facing Lille & Thomson ond.comin their prime. Bet he would have preferred the English winter instead.Doesn’t seem like 46 years ago.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
My comment was made “tongue in cheek” however there is an element of truth to it.
Tony
Roar Guru
That's a bit unfair John. I've kept my kit bag packed for years knowing that the call-up would come eventually.
Tony
Roar Guru
Actually, almost a caricature of the caricature.
Mike
Guest
Warne is the Campese of cricket. The 2nd best we’ve had - after Bradman, after Eales. Awesome on the field - rent-a-quote off it.
Johnb
Guest
The nature vs nurture question is still open Mega.
Redcap
Roar Guru
"just because he plays for NSW doesn’t mean he automatically be picked in the Test side" There's a considerable body of evidence to contradict that argument, John. :happy: There's also a considerable body of evidence to support the assertion that Victorians are born whingers. :silly:
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Could somebody explain to Moises that just because he plays for NSW doesn’t mean he automatically be picked in the Test side. David Hookes was only joking when he made that comment years ago. At least I think he was.
Paul
Roar Guru
and I'm pretty sure that's the sort of conversation he must have had with Bailey.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
He’s always struggled with stepping up. Very good FC player
U
Roar Rookie
Now this is ridiculous. This guy has been afforded more chances than most and has done nothing at international level. Absolutely nothing in all forms of the game. He should be embarrassed that he even talked about this to the press
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
For Moises, none