There have been 15 centuries and one 10-wicket haul in domestic cricket already this season, and Australia’s newest selector has been watching ahead of the Ashes.
New Australian selector Tony Dodemaide has declared all players are starting with a “clean slate” ahead of the Ashes but remains conscious some are getting more of a chance to press their claims than others.
While Queensland captain Usman Khawaja said he was “not even thinking” about Test selection after scoring an epic 174 for the Bulls this week, Dodemaide threw open the door for any challengers to Test incumbents.
The former Test fast bowler will officially become a selector in mid-November when he finishes his position in hockey administration. Dodemaide conceded he was yet to be fully briefed on any Ashes plans.
But as an operating philosophy, Dodemaide said he would be “disappointed” if Australian players weren’t firing in domestic cricket ahead of an Ashes series that could yet provide opportunities.
“The incumbents are there for a reason and experience is valuable, but I don’t think incumbency gives a right,” Dodemaide said on Tuesday.
“No one, past or present, has the absolute right to be in the team, but those players have proven that they can consistently play at the level.
“I have been watching a few of the (domestic) games but it’s way too early to make any assessments. It’s terrific so many players are putting their hands up ahead of an Ashes series. You would be disappointed if that wasn’t the case. If you are an Australian cricketer, then you have a pulse and you want to play in the Ashes.
“It would be great to see all the teams have game time.”
An opening partner for David Warner could be one spot up for grabs, with young Victorian star Will Pucovski’s recovery from a concussion an unknown quantity.
But one of the likely candidates, Pucovski’s state teammate Marcus Harris is yet to get a bat as border restrictions have put Victoria and NSW’s seasons on hold.
“Everyone starts at a clean slate but there is a challenge in terms of opportunity. NSW and Victoria haven’t played,” Dodemaide said.
“There’s also the concussion issues for Will. I’m looking forward to understanding exactly what Will’s position is and hopefully he could be available. His health and long-term wellbeing is a priority.”
Some have wiped Khawaja’s chances of an Ashes recall, but after making what he called his best Sheffield Shield hundred in Adelaide, the former Test batsman said he only had one thing on his mind.
“I don’t even worry about Test selection or Test cricket anymore. I just play the game for Queensland and do what I need to,” Khawaja said.
“I could have easily gone out there and got myself a nice little red ink (not out) today but didn’t because it’s not what the team needed.
“People are always going to ask me about Test cricket, that’s fair enough, there is an Ashes coming up.
“But it’s not even in the forefront, I am just trying to win games for Queensland.
“Honestly, it was probably my best hundred in Shield in terms of how hard I had to work.
“I had to work my arse off the whole time, there was no reprieve.”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
