Criticism water off Pete’s back
PETER Handscomb has heard all the criticism of his quirky batting technique, but the middle- order batsman has vowed to stick to his guns after earning a recall to the Test squad.
The right- hander’s technique was picked apart in the media during a lean spell that saw him dropped during the last Ashes series then left out of the recent Test series against Pakistan in the UAE.
But Handscomb was named in Australia’s 14- man squad to face India after a run of good form for Victoria in the domestic one- day competition and the Sheffield Shield.
He has worked with former Test opener Chris Rogers to make some minor tweaks to his approach at the crease, but maintains a change in mindset has been the key to his return to form.
Handscomb will lead Victoria in their Shield clash with Queensland starting at the Gabba tomorrow before joining the national set- up ahead of the first Test in Adelaide.
But he’s not looking at the match as an opportunity to lock down a spot in Australia’s middle order.
“In terms of positioning ( yourself) for Australia you can’t think about that … all of us are playing to win games for our state,” Handscomb said.
“We’re always going out there to try to win for our state first and foremost then if higher honours come from that that’s awesome.
“There’s no extra pressure because there already is pressure to win for your state.
“If I get an opportunity ( at Test level) I’ll just go out there and bat the way I bat … if I score runs then happy days.”