Seasonally adjusted

Past play must count for Ashes nod, says batsman

AUSTRALIAN cricket seletors have been urged to consider players’ long-term performances and not just the odd bad game as they prepare to name the squad for the first Ashes test.

Fervour continues to grow around the two open spots in the Australian XI for the first Test at the Gabba – No.6 batsman and wicketkeeper – going into next week’s third round of the Sheffield Shield matches.

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

Australia’s Test No.5 and Victoria’s skipper Peter Hand- scom was elevated to the Test team last summer following a double-hundred for Victoria, as well 1431 Sheffield Shield runs, with six centuries, in the two previous seasons.

While Handscomb conceded that runs right now – with the pressure on – could not be ignored, he said consistency during 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 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 this Shield season, despite a lone half-century for a top score of 58, but he was keen for more time in the middle next week.

“I want a big score every time I go out to bat,” he said.

“But, yeah, it would definitely be good to get more time out in the middle, get used to scoring big runs again.

“Time out in the middle is so much better than having a hit in the nets for bowlers and for batters. But everything is feeling right, balance feels good and my feet are moving, which is the main thing.”