Australian selectors surprise cricketing world with inclusion of untested Beer
The Australian selectors took some radical decisions, as they axed a number of senior players in order to revamp the ailing fortunes of their national team in the ongoing Ashes series. Marcus North, Doug Bollinger and Xavier Doherty have been dropped for
the third Test, whereas newcomer and untried spinner Michael Beer has been given a chance in the 12-man squad. As expected, Phillip Hughes replaces the injured Simon Katich, while Steven Smith’s prospects of making the team are also strong.
Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus are most likely to stage a comeback, as Australia might decide to start with a four-man pace attack on a bouncy Perth pitch. Unexpectedly, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle have been successful in retaining their places in
the team. However, it is the selection of the Michael Beer in place of the in-form and experienced Nathan Hauritz, which is most surprising. Commenting on Beer’s selection, Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said, “Michael Beer replaces Xavier
Doherty in the squad. Michael is a left-arm orthodox spinner who has been very impressive at domestic level this year. He took wickets against England in the tour match earlier this summer, and we expect he will bowl very well against the English on his home
ground.”
Beer comes into the team with very little experience. He played only five first-class matches this season, and took 16 wickets at an average of 39.93, with a best of 3 for 39. Similarly he took five wickets against the English side when they played their
opening tour match at the WACA last month. Therefore the Victorians chances of making it into the starting 11 are very slim.
On the other hand, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746’s demoralising defeat in Adelaide. Hughes, who has not been in top form recently,
will be under immense pressure as the selectors apparently titled the balance of the national side by omitting specialist number six batsman Marcus North. North is the biggest flop of the Ashes series so far and is most likely to be replaced by wicketkeeper
Brad Haddin at the number six position. Steven Smith is most likely to get the spinners berth in the team in the place of Beer. Hiditch said, “Steve Smith replaces Marcus North in the 12-man squad. This is obviously disappointing for Marcus but it was felt
to be the right time to bring the exciting prospect Steve Smith into the Test team. Steve has already had success at international level and will also add to the bowling depth.”
On the other hand, Stuart MacGill has criticised and questioned the wisdom behind the Australian selectors’ decision to call http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Michael-Beer-c1949 into the team. The former Australian leg-spinner said, “I am gobsmacked, shocked, I honestly cannot believe it. The
team will have to change again after the next Test. Good on Michael Beer, good bloke and good player, but look at this as a job interview and show me his qualifications to get this job. He doesn't have any. He is not qualified for the job.”
Before retiring in 2008, MacGill played 44 Tests for his country, which included some famous wins. Xavier Doherty, who has also been dropped for the third Test, expressed his dismay and alleged that the selectors had panicked over their spin-bowling selection.
MacGill also criticised the selectors for ignoring the experienced Nathan Hauritz, who has taken 63 wickets in 17 Tests and is currently in top form for his domestic team. MacGill said, “Xavier Doherty was too odd, to be honest. They are clearly telling
Nathan Hauritz, 'you are never playing Test cricket again'. I don't understand that. Xavier Doherty should never have played the first two Tests. Michael Beer shouldn't be playing this one.”
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