Now is the summer of all-rounder discontent

I WRITE this column having just watched Usman Khawaja reel in an absolute peach of a catch – and I’m happy.

I’m happy for two reasons. First of all, our start to the first Test in Adelaide has been fantastic but I understand a lot can change in a day so I’ll give you another option.

The real reason behind my joy is the axing of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.

I understand it’s a hard time for the Australian vice-captain and I feel for him, but on the other hand I think it’s potentially a positive sign for Aussie cricket moving forward.

I hope it’s a sign we’re moving in a different direction – a direction I believe will strengthen Australian cricket.

Of course, for that to happen we can’t have Australian selectors continuing their quest to find or create our next great all-rounder.

Why all the fuss about allrounders I hear you ask? Because I think our search for an all-rounder has only negatively impacted the Australian cricket team for years.

The modern day “Aussie Test All-Rounder” is like the yowie – a mythical creature.

I never saw him play but from what I can gather Keith Miller (55 Test caps 1946-1956) was Australia’s last all-rounder.

Some may argue that the likes of Steve Waugh, Shane Watson or Michael Bevan deserve a mention but they don’t rate in my book when you answer one simple question.

Would you be able to pick them purely for their bowling or batting ability?

If the answer is no, then they’re not an all-rounder and that is why I like the look of the current Test team.

Six specialist bats and four bowlers makes sense to me.

Winning cricket is about two things – scoring runs and taking wickets – if you’re lacking in either department you’re going to struggle to win games.

Some may see it as a gamble but surely Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood can take 10 wickets an innings between them which in turn gives our bats the chance to pile on the pressure.

It just makes sense to me.