Selections reflect Australia's desperation

What has happened? A carbon copy of the upheaval that occurred in England 20 years ago. Cricket, and sport in general, ceased to be regarded as an important part of education. It is deemed more important to experiment with resins in the DT lab, or compose a power point document than have some healthy exercise. The facts are that in the 1960s Australian children played an average of eight hours’ sport a week. Today the figure in some schools is as low as 20 minutes a week.

Goodness, the fun continues out here in Australia with the selection of the home side’s squad for the third Test in Perth. In comes a chap called Michael Beer. He’s a left-arm spinner and I’ll admit that the first I’d heard of him was when our star columnist, Shane Warne, was earlier this week deflecting us away from talk that he might be about to make a dramatic comeback.

Johnson has not the taste for stardom and not much for the sporting life. His ability exceeds his desire, his strength surpasses his appetite. Cricket has taken him on a journey that does not entirely suit him. Often he is reminded about the bad old days driving a plumber's van in Queensland, yet a part of him seeks that world with its obscurity and security.

Fifty years ago to the week, as it happens, Sir Donald Bradman asked Australian captain Richie Benaud for permission to address his players before the first of five Tests with the West Indies. Bradman wanted the game played with greater enterprise and imagination. He got his way.

Perhaps the time is right for Allan Border to ask Ponting for permission to speak to his players before the third Test with England in Perth. Border, perhaps the most influential figure in Australian cricket since Benaud, could unload a few home truths and spell out just what is presently at risk.