Peter Handscomb wants to bag Australia's permanent wicket-keeping role

Peter Handscomb has had a very erratic career so far, going in and out of the team frequently. But the Melbourne lad has now his eyes fixed on the wicket-keeping slot of Australia, and he wants to be a part of the team in every format. Handscomb was introduced to the Australian team in the third Test of the ongoing Ashes, only to be released ahead of the fourth encounter so as to let him participate in the Big Bash League.

Known for his prowess in the longest format of the game, the 26-year-old Victorian wants to wear the keeping gloves, when Australia takes on England for the ODIs next month. He has played only 8 ODIs so far and is a runaway from completing 150 ODI runs.

When Cricket.com.au asked the Melbourne Stars‘ wicket-keeper about whether he is aiming for a limited overs slot or not, he said “If the opportunity is there, I want to do it for Australia during the one-day series. That was another reason for me coming back here, (to) put the gloves on and make sure my skills are up to international standard. It’s nice to have that game time.”

While there’s no second-guessing about Handscomb’s ability in Tests, his performance hasn’t quite been up to the mark in the shorter formats. However, he seems to be ready to turn things around. “I’ve always been happy to do it in the white-ball formats. I can still bat in the top four or top five. I’m happy to do it in the one-dayers. I’m still pushing to be the one-day keeper come January,” the owner of 805 Test runs said.

Too many cooks, too much competition

Handscomb isn’t the only one who is trying to nail his name on Australia’s limited overs team sheet. To give him company, the kangaroos have got Matthew Wade, their incumbent limited overs keeper, and Tim Paine, who is currently playing the Ashes. In such a scenario, Peter will have to put his best foot forward.

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