Ponting calls on selectors to take quick decision on new Aussie opener
February 4th, 2009 - 4:21 pm ICT by ANI Melbourne, Feb.4 (ANI): Australias Test selectors should make a quick decision on who will replace Matthew Hayden as opener, said captain Ricky Ponting on Tuesday.
The Australian squad for the three-Test tour of South Africa will be named on Thursday, with boom youngster Phillip Hughes and Phil Jaques the leading contenders to fill the opening vacancy and partner Simon Katich.
The selectors could pick both Hughes and Jaques in a squad numbering either 14 or 15 players and make the call after the only first-class warm-up game in Potchefstrom from February 20-22.
It’’s a tough call as both New South Wales openers have legitimate claims to replace the retired Hayden.
Twenty-year-old Hughes compiled an impressive double of 151 and 82 not out in the recent Sheffield Shield win over Tasmania, while Jaques, 29, made a century in his most recent Test before being sidelined by injury.
“I don”t reckon (the selectors) will pick two openers (in addition to Simon Katich). I think they should make their mind up now and pick whoever they think is going to be the best selection for South Africa and possibly for the Ashes tour as well, The Courier Mail quoted Ponting, as saying.
“Phillip (Hughes) has done absolutely everything in his power to give himself the best chance to be picked. His record for New South Wales in the last couple of years has been outstanding,” he added.
Ponting also acknowledged that Jaques had a compelling case to regain his Test berth, having made 902 runs in 11 Tests at an average of 47.47.
“Obviously one thing in Phil’’s favour is his Test experience and his Test record behind him,” said Ponting. (ANI)
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- Phil Jaques still hopeful of Oz Test comeback - Feb 19, 2011
- Oz selectors watching NSW batting prodigy Hughes closely - Jan 29, 2009
- Jaques favourite to replace Hayden - Jan 14, 2009
- Australian openers battling for Test recall at SCG - Nov 03, 2009
- Pick Ponting along with entire New South Wales team to regain Ashes urn: Paper - Oct 30, 2009
- Ponting, Taylor pitch for Hughes inclusion in series against Windies - Nov 06, 2009
- Pak-born Khawaja becomes first Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket - Jun 22, 2010
- Phil Jacques Oz fans favourite to replace Hayden - Jan 14, 2009
- Hilditch supports out-of-form Hughes to be long-term Oz Test opener - Jan 03, 2011
- Hughes will make England pay for taunting him: Langer - Dec 10, 2010
- Hughes can't wipe the smile off his face after Oz recall - Dec 22, 2009
- Hughes to fill in for Hayden in South Africa tour - Feb 05, 2009
- Clarke not averse to recalling Katich in Australian team - Dec 16, 2011
Tags: ashes tour, berth, captain ricky ponting, contenders, courier mail, favour, first class, legitimate claims, matthew hayden, new south wales, phil jaques, ricky, selectors, sheffield shield, south africa, tasmania, test experience, test record, vacancy, youngster
