SELECTORS PICKING, STICKING

SELECTORS have enacted a strict “pick-and-stick” policy for Australia’s 50-over team despite the side’s humbling series loss in South Africa.

Still reeling from their exit last year in a World Cup semifinal, Australia are adamant they were left two or three months short of finding their best combinations and don’t want to be stuck in the same position when the crown goes on the line again in 2023.

A tired-looking Australia have been poor in the 2-0 series loss to South Africa but are unlikely to make changes – outside of conditions-based ones – for the dead-rubber finale in Potchefstroom today.

To avoid a repeat of being caught short, selectors are determined that when they pick a squad for an ODI series, the XI will be given an extended run at it to show what they’ve got.

It’s why Australia is not resting and rotating players, whereas South Africa and India are refusing to prioritise ODIs in what is a Twenty20 World Cup year.

New Aussie No.7 D’Arcy Short is likely to be given at least until the end of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand to show what he’s made of and is relishing the opportunity to establish himself in the ODI team.

“Yeah, definitely. Especially the first game batting at seven and then batting at five (for the second game),” he said.

Short, who made 69 in the second ODI against South Africa, believes standout showings for the 50-over team can translate to potential elevation to the side for the T20 World Cup at the end of this year.

“Yeah, definitely. I think if I do well in the middle order and contribute and finish games off in the one-day stuff, it’s definitely going to hold me in good stead come the T20 World Cup,” he said.

Ben Horne