Chris Rogers believes that Aussie selectors on the verge of massive overhaul

Former Australian opening batsman Chris Rogers has said that the Australian selectors are contemplating a massive overhaul in the grand scheme of things. Recently, the Aussies have been on the receiving end of the yardstick after having lost a few series against South Africa and Sri Lanka in recent times. A loss in the first Test at Perth simply went on to add to the problem the Australians are facing at the moment.

Chris Rogers believed that there are a few players looking over their shoulders at the moment. “I think they’re (the selectors) thinking, enough’s enough – we’ve given these guys enough opportunities, we want to see some performance,” Rogers told SEN Radio. “So I guess there would be a few guys on that side who are looking over their shoulder now.

Rogers added that the results in recent times would prompt the Aussies would be looking to get the results with youngsters at the moment. “The fact is they’re not getting the results they want to be, so, therefore, how do you go about it? Maybe the way to go is to identify a couple of guys who you think are going to take the side forward, and pick and stick with them – a few younger guys.

“The public will probably be a lot more patient with that and give them time to find their feet. I think that’s a way they might go – we’ve tried the veterans, I was one of them, but maybe they’re thinking now, let’s get some of the younger guys in and just go with them.”

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He also added that players must play more Sheffield Shield Cricket, “I do think they didn’t play enough Shield cricket leading into it, so you don’t get into that mindset of just batting time … you still need those players who are prepared to bat 200 balls for 60 runs,” he explained.

“While it might be a little bit boring, it will help the side. I can see changes happening, and I think if they bat badly today or tomorrow, I can see quite a few changes for Adelaide as well. But (the second innings is) a fantastic opportunity for these guys – they’re still exceptional players and I have a lot of belief in all of them.

“At the moment, the way Shield cricket is set up, it’s more about developing talent than actually trying to win the competition.

“So maybe there’s an idea that we go back to – just pick the best players.

“Make it all about winning the Sheffield Shield and from there the good players will emerge that will stand up (in international cricket).

“But at the moment we seem to be allowing guys to get picked even though their performances aren’t brilliant because people see some development in them and they might play for Australia eventually, and I worry about that.”

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