Jake should wait: Handscomb

A BANK of runs and not just performances in one match should be the true basis for Ashes selection, according to Australian Test No. 5 Peter Handscomb.

The fervour continues to grow around the two open spots in the Australian XI for the first Test at the Gabba — No. 6 batsman and the wicketkeeper’s position — ahead of next week’s third round of the Sheffield Shield.

The squad for the first and second Tests will be named next Friday and continued strong showings from the likes of Victorian Glenn Maxwell, the incumbent No. 6, and SA bolter Jake Lehmann, son of national coach Darren, could help shape selectors’ thoughts.

Handscomb was elevated to the Test team last summer on the back of a double-hundred for Victoria, as well 1431 Sheffield Shield runs, with six centuries, in the two previous seasons.

While the Victorian captain conceded runs right now, with the pressure on, could not be ignored, he said runs scored consistently through previous summers should count for something.

“Jake is obviously a very good player and in the critical games that they are asking people to stand up, a little bit of extra pressure, he went out there and basically made two hundreds [103 and 93 against Victoria last week]. That’s a positive sign,” Handscomb said. “But there are guys who have been scoring for three or four years and ultimately you want a guy that is going consistently and if they are only going to be judged on these three games as opposed to what they have done throughout their career then that can be a bit tough.”

Handscomb said he felt his form was in a good spot through four innings, despite just the lone half-century for a top score of 58, but he was very keen for more time in the middle next week.