Former Australian opener Chris Rogers feels the latest scrutiny on the middle order batsman Peter Handscomb will make him stronger and handle the criticism methodically and with maturity. Handscomb has scored 14, 36 and 12 in the first three innings of the Ashes series and cricket pundits have asked the right-handed batsman to change his technique which prominently depends on playing on the back foot. Handscomb has been widely criticised for his unusual batting technique which majorly depends on the back foot making him vulnerable against the swing bowling.
The Australian selectors have picked up Mitchell Marsh for the third Test and could play in the third Test in place of Handscomb especially if the wicket at WACA is flat and his presence could release the workload of their fast bowlers.
Rogers in Handscomb defence spoke to AAP and said:
“Pete’s a very down to earth guy. He’ll know there is pressure and that if the selectors thought they maybe need an extra bowler, his is the spot up for grabs. He’ll be thinking, ‘I’ve only had three hits so far and I haven’t disgraced myself and I deserve another chance, but it’s up to the selectors’. He’ll be fairly realistic.”
Handscomb made his debut for Victoria in 2011 where Rogers saw him for the non strikers end and was mightily impressed with the right handed batsman’s composure. Roger feels that maturity and patience is Handscomb’s biggest strength:
“And how he uses it to figure out problems. Every batsman goes through ups and downs. I back him to figure out the answers quicker than most people.”
Handscomb defended his technique and said that he has been batting deep in his crease for three years now:
“I am not really that concerned, I batted deep last year and managed to hit balls on the stumps and made lots of runs. I know I get out lbw and bowled, that’s why I have tried to change a few things with my technique.”