Old fogey quota claims Katich
There were three old fogies in the Australian set-up, writes Peter Roebuck in The Age , a former captain and great batsman, another batsman in terrific form, and Simon Katich
George Binoy
25-Feb-2013
There were three old fogies in the Australian set-up, writes Peter Roebuck in The Age, a former captain and great batsman, another batsman in terrific form, and Simon Katich. The selectors felt the need to blood someone young, so it was Katich who had to go.
More troubling than the decision itself, though, is the explanation provided. Australia has no business talking about the 2013 Ashes. Instead, the think tank ought to be focusing on succeeding in Sri Lanka and South Africa and then welcoming and subduing India, the world's best team. A tough summer lies ahead, and it's foolish to look too far ahead. It's also a throwback. The Ashes are no longer the benchmark. The other disconcerting aspect of Katich's dumping is the lack of emerging players pressing for places. Promise does not butter the bread. That an accomplished player approaching the end of his career has been dropped a year ahead of schedule is nothing new. Sportsmen and selectors are always falling out about that last year. Far more alarming is the lack of proven replacements. Australia has become obsessed with scoring rates. Alastair Cook has reminded the cricket community of the value of a tried and trusted opener.
George Binoy is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo