Rodney Hogg accuses Smith of ‘favouritism’ in selection ›

MUMBAI: Former cricketer Rodney Hogg has criticised Australia captain Steven Smith, saying he cannot pick his ‘mates’ in the national side. Hogg’s criticism comes in the wake of Australia’s yet another overseas series defeat.

Australia last won an ODI against a lowly Ireland in 2016, and since then they have lost as many as 11 out of 13 matches overseas. Two of the other games were washed out. Australia had earlier lost the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy to New Zealand 0-2, and before that South Africa had blanked them 0-5 in their backyard.

“They’re picking their mates. Smith shouldn’t be a selector. (Ashton) Agar’s been pushed

Everyone is going to have their opinions and they are entitled to have their opinions. I don’t know from where all these theories crop up from. D WARNER, differing with Hogg

through and (Hilton) Cartwright’s still there.

“We saw (Nic) Maddinson get selected (he’s) a mate, he’s one of Steve Smith’s mates,” Hogg was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

“You can’t pick bloody mates! We’ve got to get fair dinkum. We’re really off the ball a bit here ... I think the captain’s getting his own way,” Hogg added.

Earlier this year during the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, former South Australia and Victoria First-Class wicketkeeperbatsman Darren Berry had questioned Smith’s role as a selector. His comments had come after Moises Henriques was promoted to bat at No 4 in the tournament.

“I don’t think the Australian captain is a selector, he’s certainly consulted but it appears the Australian captain is picking the team. Because no one else would be batting Moises Henriques at number four in the Australian one-day team,” Berry had said.

Meanwhile, Hogg has also raised finger on the non-selection of spinner Jon Holland, who played two Tests in Sri Lanka last year. “He’s the bloke you’ve got to be trying,” Hogg said.