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I was expecting Ed Cowan to get a gig in the Test squad for Boxing Day. His recent outstanding domestic form coupled with Phillip Hughes’ failures made him an obvious choice. The inclusion of all-rounder Dan Christian was less predictable, but still appropriate given the versatility he offers and the unavailabilty of Shane Watson.
One name I wasn’t expecting to hear was Ben Hilfenhaus.
Yes, that is the same Ben Hilfenhaus who was hit from pillar to post by the Poms last year and subsquently dropped from the Test side.
The same Ben Hilfenhaus who returned figures of 2-108 bowling for Australia A against New Zealand recently.
His form for Tasmania in Sheffield Shield matches has been good, 20 wickets at an average of 28.6, but Michael Hogan (WA) and Jayde Herrick (VIC) have performed better.
If his inclusion was a surprise, the reports in the media that he could replace Mitchell Starc had me lost for words. Sure, Starc hasn’t been great, but the Australian bowling attack isn’t the problem, it’s their inability to bat.
What puzzles me is why the selectors would even consider Hilfenhaus. There current policy seems to be blooding young debutuants to rejuvenate a side who had become stale and predictable following their Ashes loss.
Guys like Pat Cummins, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon and lately David Warner had me dreaming of a new era of Australian dominance.
Ben Hilfenhaus is 28 years old, made his Test debut in 2009 and has played 17 Test matches.
Even if he is showing good domestic form he’s not the future for Australian cricket. Let Starc bowl to the likes of Tendulkar, Laxman and Dravid. It will be a fantastic education for a young man who will be a long-term star for Australia.
Australian cricket needs to keep moving forward. Steps have been taken this year with the selection of a new captain, new coach, new panel and new players.
Picking Ben Hilfenhaus for the Boxing Day test would be a step backwards. A step that shouldn’t be taken.
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