Bollinger makes way for Beer as Aussie selectors ring the changes

Ok, so maybe the puns are obvious, but what is also clear is that the Australian selectors seem to be working in a mad panic, seeking desperately to find a formula that will produce an Australian victory in Perth. Australia have to avoid defeat in the next test match in order to have a chance of regaining the Ashes, but it seems to me like the selectors have taken this idea of chopping and changing their squad much too far. The only thing that is consistent about the current Aussie selection policy is its inconsistency. The latest changes to the squad include the axing of Xavier Doherty, Marcus North and Doug Bollinger, and the inclusion of leg spinning all rounder Steven Smith, slow left arm spinner Beer, and pace men Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus.

The selection of Beer is so baffling that it’s almost beyond belief. He is a 26 year old spinner who has only played five first class games in his life, and up until last year was making his way playing club cricket in Melbourne. If he was only 19 or 20 then you could at least think that the selectors were going with a player who may not be perfect now but will be someone who could develop into life as an international cricketer. However, this isn’t the case with Beer, and although it is fair to say that some players develop with age, Beer’s selection smacks of desperation on the part of the Aussie selectors, who seem to be adopting the approach of “he turns it a bit, have we given him a go yet?”. Ten spinners have now been used by Australia since Shane Warne’s retirement, a figure that surely speaks volumes about the Aussie selection policy.

I just wonder if the selectors have put themselves in the position of Ricky Ponting. It must be a nightmare for him to be working with different players every week, and it makes his job of captaincy so much more difficult. I believe that this is why Ponting has struggled for runs in this series, he has had to concentrate too hard on captaincy and that alone has had a detrimental effect on his batting. It’s no coincidence that the only time Ponting has got runs in this series so far was when the first test was already dead and he just went out and batted freely and fluently. For me, Ponting’s batting is the key to Australian success, and I think that some of the more senior players like Hussey and Clarke have to really help Ponting out with his leadership duties so he doesn’t feel as pressured.

It could be that the latest round of changes manages to deliver some Australian success in this series. However, If England win in Perth then the champagne will be put on ice and the beers will most definitely be flowing as Ashes glory will be just around the corner.

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