PlanetCricket
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- Joined
- Jan 13, 2010
Ever since the inception of the hardcore Twenty20 competitions like the World Championship, the Australian Twenty20 side has been somewhat left behind. Of course, innumerable excuses can be made for this, but I think the simple fact of the matter is the wrong players are being picked.
Despite a complete lack of success in the major tournaments, the selectors continue to persevere with the established Australian players as their spearheads. Thus, players like Brett Lee, Mitch Johnson, Michael Clarke, and Brad Haddin have not been at their most successful in the game’s shortest form. Now, I ask you, what are the IPL and the Australian Big Bash for if not to showcase the best Twenty20 players around? Players need to be poached from here, where they are competing in the format often, as compared to the Australian Test and one-day players who only have exposure to Twenty20 in a couple of genuine exhibition matches at the beginning or end of a tour/summer.
Not only would this give the Test players a well-deserved rest, but it gives the up-and-comers the chance to stake their claims for further Australian honours. Just as the Australian one-day side has been a trial run for players looking to make the Test side, the Twenty20 side could be a gateway to playing one-dayers. And what would be the harm in giving past legends and IPL regulars Warne, Gilchrist and Hayden a call-up? They’re match fit, have the nuances of the format down, and would give some much-needed experience and credibility to the young side I’m about to propose.
Here’s a side that I wouldn’t mind seeing: Dave Warner, Shaun Marsh, Mark Cosgrove, Adam Voges, Cameron White (c), Travis Birt, Matthew Wade (wk), Steve Smith, Brett Geeves, Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait. Add in Warnie, Haydos, and Gilly and you’ve got a pretty formidable side there. And not one Test player in the lot.
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Despite a complete lack of success in the major tournaments, the selectors continue to persevere with the established Australian players as their spearheads. Thus, players like Brett Lee, Mitch Johnson, Michael Clarke, and Brad Haddin have not been at their most successful in the game’s shortest form. Now, I ask you, what are the IPL and the Australian Big Bash for if not to showcase the best Twenty20 players around? Players need to be poached from here, where they are competing in the format often, as compared to the Australian Test and one-day players who only have exposure to Twenty20 in a couple of genuine exhibition matches at the beginning or end of a tour/summer.
Not only would this give the Test players a well-deserved rest, but it gives the up-and-comers the chance to stake their claims for further Australian honours. Just as the Australian one-day side has been a trial run for players looking to make the Test side, the Twenty20 side could be a gateway to playing one-dayers. And what would be the harm in giving past legends and IPL regulars Warne, Gilchrist and Hayden a call-up? They’re match fit, have the nuances of the format down, and would give some much-needed experience and credibility to the young side I’m about to propose.
Here’s a side that I wouldn’t mind seeing: Dave Warner, Shaun Marsh, Mark Cosgrove, Adam Voges, Cameron White (c), Travis Birt, Matthew Wade (wk), Steve Smith, Brett Geeves, Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait. Add in Warnie, Haydos, and Gilly and you’ve got a pretty formidable side there. And not one Test player in the lot.
More...
