Victoria’s Rob Quiney says if he gets another chance at Test level he’ll need to show greater mental strength.
The 30-year-old could manage only nine runs in three hits at No.3 in the first two Tests of the current series against South Africa including a pair in this week’s Adelaide match.
Dropped for Friday’s deciding third Test in Perth, Quiney returned to the Bushrangers’ lineup at the MCG on Wednesday night in a one-day clash against South Australia and was caught behind for 14 back in his regular opening slot.
Adding to Quiney’s woes, the home side lost by four wickets. However they remain on top of the one-day table and are equal on points with leaders Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.
Quiney’s focus is now on the Big Bash League with the Melbourne Stars who open their season with an away clash against Melbourne Renegades on December 7 at Etihad Stadium.
Australia will host a three-match Test series against Sri Lanka in December-January but Quiney’s hopes of a recall appear slim in the near future and the popular Victorian knows he has some work ahead of him.
“I try to forget about it pretty quickly,” Quiney said of his unsuccessful foray into Test cricket.
“But obviously if I do get a chance again at some stage in the future, I’ve got to make sure that I don’t nick them early for starters and just be, maybe better prepared or try and be mentally stronger.
“So I’ll get back to the drawing board and go out and try and make some runs in the Big Bash now and then Sheffield Shield games after (that).”
Quiney told Foxsports that playing Test cricket was an amazing experience.
“I had a brilliant time, apart from nicking a couple of balls early, and the boys were really good to me,” he said.
“It was just a bit of a shame I couldn’t reward them with some runs and unfortunately I couldn’t play in a win either.
“I felt the grind on myself just fielding and a few other boys the same, let alone the blokes like the bowlers, like Peter Siddle, he’s gone down and gave his heart for the side.
“Hopefully they can get over the line starting from Friday.”
