Batsmen protected under Australia’s new policy
Peter English
25-Feb-2013
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Andrew Stevenson, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, takes a look at Ricky Ponting’s “horses for courses” selection plans and wonders about the implications.
Take note of who the protected species is here. Who has been safely quarantined from any discussion of the merits of "guys who are going to be able to give you more in different conditions"? Who's immune? Batsmen, that's who.
Jason Krezja has to justify his place in Perth but not, apparently, Andrew Symonds. The Australian top order boasts a phenomenal Test record at the WACA Ground ... but there are plenty of pitches better suited to the rampaging Queenslander. In three Tests Symonds, now being picked as a genuine No. 6 rather than an allrounder, has made a sum total of 144 runs at an average of 24.00 - way down on his career record of 41.90. If he was a bowler he'd be dropped.
In the same paper Paul Sheehan says Twenty20 reflects the mood of the times and may yet dance on the grave of Test cricket.
Peter English is former Australasia editor of ESPNcricinfo