Re: The Third Test in the Ashes Series - WACA (14 December)
Reply #113 –
The assertion I make is that if a spud like me sees this coming weeks before it happens then there is no doubt the selectors knew exactly what was going to happen. The perfect opportunity to return Handscomb to form was Perth!
I suspect the dropping of Handscomb has more to do with the 1st and 2nd test criticism of Smith's captaincy than the requirement for an All-Rounder who barely bowls. We'd be all over England, even more than we are now, if we had a dynamic and effective captain. The only issue is would Smith bat as well without the captaincy?
Like Michael Clarke, Smith's batting average as captain is higher than it was before he became captain.
I think Smith's captaincy in this test has been more spontaneous and less formulaic.
As for Handscomb, I think you're right about him batting back into form at the WACA. Now he has no opportunity to spend time in the middle.