The former Australian great, Allan Border, has expressed dissatisfaction over the selection of the Australian team for the first two Test matches against Australia. In a surprise move, the Australian selectors decided to go for Joe Mennie instead of Jackson Bird who was pretty much sure of selection in Australian squad against South Africa.
“We really shouldn’t be thinking along those terms, about how good our bowlers are as batsmen,” Border told foxsports.com.au on Saturday.
“It should be about who gives us the best chance of taking 20 wickets, not how many runs he might score down the order. Does that mean you don’t pick Glenn McGrath because he’s not going to feature much with the bat? Border said.
Border has raised a valid point as t the end of the day it is the bowlers who have the main role in a Test match. A team has to get 20 wickets to win a game. Joe Minnie selection is a source as he struggled ion hi Sodi debut against South Africa but somewhat consolidated for that by taking three wickets in one more opportune it provided to him. He is pretty much hopeful of a debut d EU to his ability to contribute equally.
Allan Border has raised a valid point as at the end of the day, it is the bowlers who have the main role in a Test match as a team has to get 20 wickets to win a game. Joe Minnie selection came as a surprise to many as he struggled on his One-day debut against South Africa but somewhat compensated for that by taking three wickets in one more opportunity provided to him. He is pretty much hopeful of making his debut in the first Test match.
Australian selectors have also retained Usman Khawaja who spoke against captain Steve Smith for dropping him and Joe Burns from the squad. He also raised questions on the form of Steve Smith. Despite that, Khawaja has retained his place whereas Burns has been dropped as fit-in-time Shan Marsh is back to contribute his services in the top order. Border accepts thatKhawja will be in pressure but also saw him toe ready for such things
Border accepts pressure is a part of the game but he also advised him to be ready for such things in future “I wouldn’t say he’s (Khawaja) under more pressure because you’re under pressure all the time as a Test player,
“But obviously Usman will be looking over his shoulder a little bit to a couple of the other players around the country, guys like Travis Head and Joe Burns himself, that will be putting their hands up in the coming weeks via Sheffield Shield cricket.
“You should never feel totally comfortable in your spot I think, so it’s up to Ozzie now to repay the faith,” Border said. just a couple I days back, the former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden added Khawaja to just shut up and score runs after Khawaja raised question n him being dropped.
Allan Border served as the selector of Australian cricket team from 1998-2005. Australian cricket team won two World Cups during his tenure as a selector.