David EdwardsAustralia Selectors Dilemma #56, Keeper Reserves?
February 12th 2007 12:17
As most of the nation are recovering from the aftermath of losing the one day series to England this weekend, Australia is now under the pump as they try to plan who to send to the World Cup, the biggest tournament for the one day international format.
Whilst the majority of the squad that has played throughout the summer will not change going into the Caribbean for the two month tournament, the major talking point has been for the fifth pace bowler place, which is currently being contested by both Shaun Tait and Stuart Clark.
As both bowlers have given Australia a boost in their bowling side when they played (Tait for his pure strength and speed, Clark for his ability with the ball at such speeds, shown throughout the entire Test series), there cannot be much said about either player. Both are solid in their role, both would be able to bolster the Australian squad, and both have proven that they have the talent and ability to assist Australia when needed in the field.
However, more waves have appeared from the outgoing coach of the squad, John Buchanan, who has insisted to the selectors that they must consider placing a back up keeper (meaning NSW keeper Brad Haddin) as a reserve specialist for Adam Gilchrist in case the veteran glovesman goes through an injury during the competition.
Buchanan, who also commented that all-rounder Andrew Symonds must seriously be considered for a spot in the 15-man squad, has brought up the biggest catch 22 that the selectors face at the moment. Should they lose a spot in the squad to hedge their bets, or should they risk it all and take the best attacking squad possible?
It is a hard decision to make for either camp. Whilst Gilchrist has not gone through a serious injury throughout the 11 year career, the slight possibility of him being unable to play in any of the potential eleven matches of the tournament would surely assure that Haddin must be seriously considered for the flight. On the other hand, if Gilchrist is able to play throughout the entire time, then the selectors have essentially thrown away a place that they could have used on an alternative batsman, bowler, or all-rounder that could have given Australia the boost they needed in any of the important games.
But if I were a selector, I would believe that the risk far outweighs the options of a more aggressive side. If Gilchrist does succumb to injury (knock wood, and all that other superstitious junk) then Australia will have literally no one who could effectively play behind the wickets to a number of the fastest bowlers in the world. If all Haddin did throughout the entire contest was sit in the pavilion and have a nice two month holiday on a number of the sandy beaches, I would feel more at ease than if he was home when his side needed him at the most.
However, if I were a selector, a few more changes would be made. First of all, Watson would not have the secured seventh spot on the batting list, and rather risk it with the young force of Cameron White, who has proven this series that he has the ability to knock the ball all around the ground.
Also Symonds would already have his plane ticket, but with the thought to use him sparingly. By placing Symonds in the squad, Australia have certain security that if needed, both him and White could do some considerable damage if a major score is needed.
But, of course, I am not a selector. So whilst Australia will have to recover from their biggest loss hangover since the Ashes series of 2005, they have to seriously gather the best this nation has to offer. They have to make sure they can play effectively and aggressively as a side to ensure Australia has any chance in making their fourth straight World Cup finals. Choosing wisely, choosing smartly, and above all, choosing to cover every possible situation the tournament can through our way is the only way that Australia will recover from this summer stumble.
Until next time, sports minds.
PS Placing the selector’s hat back on, I would have to throw my support behind Stuart Clark. Fantastic in the Tests, solid in the one-day competition, let the Glenn McGrath double show his ability against the best in the world. Tait is good, but he can wait for another four years to show his potential.
Whilst the majority of the squad that has played throughout the summer will not change going into the Caribbean for the two month tournament, the major talking point has been for the fifth pace bowler place, which is currently being contested by both Shaun Tait and Stuart Clark.
As both bowlers have given Australia a boost in their bowling side when they played (Tait for his pure strength and speed, Clark for his ability with the ball at such speeds, shown throughout the entire Test series), there cannot be much said about either player. Both are solid in their role, both would be able to bolster the Australian squad, and both have proven that they have the talent and ability to assist Australia when needed in the field.
However, more waves have appeared from the outgoing coach of the squad, John Buchanan, who has insisted to the selectors that they must consider placing a back up keeper (meaning NSW keeper Brad Haddin) as a reserve specialist for Adam Gilchrist in case the veteran glovesman goes through an injury during the competition.
Buchanan, who also commented that all-rounder Andrew Symonds must seriously be considered for a spot in the 15-man squad, has brought up the biggest catch 22 that the selectors face at the moment. Should they lose a spot in the squad to hedge their bets, or should they risk it all and take the best attacking squad possible?
It is a hard decision to make for either camp. Whilst Gilchrist has not gone through a serious injury throughout the 11 year career, the slight possibility of him being unable to play in any of the potential eleven matches of the tournament would surely assure that Haddin must be seriously considered for the flight. On the other hand, if Gilchrist is able to play throughout the entire time, then the selectors have essentially thrown away a place that they could have used on an alternative batsman, bowler, or all-rounder that could have given Australia the boost they needed in any of the important games.
But if I were a selector, I would believe that the risk far outweighs the options of a more aggressive side. If Gilchrist does succumb to injury (knock wood, and all that other superstitious junk) then Australia will have literally no one who could effectively play behind the wickets to a number of the fastest bowlers in the world. If all Haddin did throughout the entire contest was sit in the pavilion and have a nice two month holiday on a number of the sandy beaches, I would feel more at ease than if he was home when his side needed him at the most.
However, if I were a selector, a few more changes would be made. First of all, Watson would not have the secured seventh spot on the batting list, and rather risk it with the young force of Cameron White, who has proven this series that he has the ability to knock the ball all around the ground.
Also Symonds would already have his plane ticket, but with the thought to use him sparingly. By placing Symonds in the squad, Australia have certain security that if needed, both him and White could do some considerable damage if a major score is needed.
But, of course, I am not a selector. So whilst Australia will have to recover from their biggest loss hangover since the Ashes series of 2005, they have to seriously gather the best this nation has to offer. They have to make sure they can play effectively and aggressively as a side to ensure Australia has any chance in making their fourth straight World Cup finals. Choosing wisely, choosing smartly, and above all, choosing to cover every possible situation the tournament can through our way is the only way that Australia will recover from this summer stumble.
Until next time, sports minds.
PS Placing the selector’s hat back on, I would have to throw my support behind Stuart Clark. Fantastic in the Tests, solid in the one-day competition, let the Glenn McGrath double show his ability against the best in the world. Tait is good, but he can wait for another four years to show his potential.
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