Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has voiced his disagreement with the inclusion of Jhye Richardson, saying Brendan Doggett deserved to play in the ongoing fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne.
On Thursday, Australia named their playing XII, which included Richardson, Doggett and Michael Neser. Of the three, Richardson and Neser were selected, leaving Doggett out.
Doggett has played two Tests and taken four wickets, with best figures of 3/51. Even with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined, Doggett was overlooked by the selectors, a decision that left Clarke unhappy.
“Our bowling stocks are so strong, and one of the great things about this series has been the opportunities provided to the likes of Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser and now possibly Jhye Richardson,” Clarke told *The Herald Sun*. “Having said that, I can’t have Richardson leapfrogging Doggett and Neser to play on Boxing Day. Doggett was the first extra quick picked for the Ashes and he did his job, and Neser was outstanding in his one opportunity — they both deserve to play ahead of Richardson, who is coming into the squad having played very little cricket.”
Playing his first Test in four years, Richardson went wicketless in the four overs he bowled on a 20-wicket opening day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). After being put in to bat first, Australia were bundled out for 152. England’s batters also struggled and were dismissed for 110. The hosts then came out to bat again for one over, scoring four runs to see out the day.
For More Sports Related News: Follow RevSportz
