At times, the manner in which a batsman makes runs provides evidence of his ability. But the reverse is also true: at times, the way a batsman scores is indicative of reasons why he should not be picked.
Phillip Hughes of New South Wales has again been awarded a contract by Cricket Australia. On the tour of India in February and March, Hughes failed repeatedly. He showed an inability to tackle spin – and that was about all that was doled out by the Indian team.
Hughes’ scores in the series were 6, 0, 19, 0, 2, 69, 45 and 6 as Australia was hammered 4-0 in the four-Test series. During the knock of 69, he was like a cat on hot bricks. He survived 166 balls through sheer luck, and zero ability. He was as jumpy as he had been during his previous five innings.
If there was any indication that he needed to be replaced, this innings was it. Usman Khawaja, who is known to be a decent player of spin, should have got a chance in the next Test.
But Khawaja had blown his chances of playing in the third Test by not completing an assignment handed down by the coach. He, and three others, were not considered for that Test.
He was considered for the fourth Test. Or maybe he was not. That he was not picked indicates that Australia’s selectors go by only one criterion – scoring runs. Hughes happens to come from NSW, the state that has the most influence in Australian cricket.
So he has got another chance and a fat contract. Khawaja is again out in the cold. And Australia’s selectors have made it plain that politics is more important in the game than ability.
Hughes will next be seen in action during the Ashes in England. Khawaja is unlikely to be in the touring party given that the selectors are looking to somehow win back the urn. It doesn’t matter if they have to pick batsmen who are on the verge of retirement – there are hints that Chris Rogers and Adam Voges may be picked as they have made plenty of runs in English county cricket.
There is already bad news for Hughes – the lanky Chris Tremlett, who troubled him greatly during the Ashes series played in Australia in 2010-11, is fit again and just returning to the game. If Tremlett gets back in the England side, Hughes will no doubt be haunted by memories of how he failed repeatedly against the big man.
The selectors are looking to save their necks. Not to build a team for the future. And to play their politics right – else when they are shown the door, the next opening in the cricket industry may be a long time coming.