NEW DELHI: After being sharply criticized by former Australian coach Darren Lehmann for being too close to the Test team to make the difficult decisions, Australian Test captain Pat Cummins has defended chief selector George Bailey.
Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and Marnus Labuschagne have all averaged 14.40, the lowest total for Australia’s top three in a home Test summer since 1887/88, which has led to harsh criticism of their lackluster performances. In particular, Nathan McSweeney is being carefully watched.
As the third test of the Border-Gavaskar series Headed for a rain-soaked draw on Tuesday, Lehmann took aim at Bailey, casting doubt on the former Australian international’s close bond with the team.
“In my opinion, he’s too close to the team. I would like him sitting up watching in a selectors’ box somewhere and be able to make his own decisions.” Lehmann had said on ABC Sport.
But Cummins quickly defended Bailey and denied any argument that would have affected his choice to make the difficult decisions.
“I don’t know how that (criticism) can be true. There is so much more to picking a side than just looking at the internet. The most important thing is you do stay objective, and I think the selection panel are amazing at that,” Cummins was quoted by 7News.
“They’ve made some really bold calls over the past couple of years in all formats. Probably bolder than I have seen other selectors make in previous years. They’ve never shied away from a tough decision. What George brings to the role is amazing, and I think you’d hear that not just from the guys on the side, but also from state players as well,” he added.
Even with Cummins’ support, Bailey will probably come under increasing criticism if the Australian team isn’t significantly altered for the fourth Test in Melbourne.