Australia’s selectors will feel they had little choice but to recall Brad Haddin as vice-captain but they must cross their fingers the move does not backfire disastrously.
Haddin is a strong character, a close ally of Michael Clarke’s and well regarded in Australian cricket.
But, on his recent efforts with the gloves, he is no longer a Test-quality wicketkeeper.
While many supporters believe he’s the best wicketkeeper in the country, Haddin was struggling in his primary role well before Matthew Wade was given his job last year due to the 35-year-old’s family issues.
And on the basis of some labouring efforts for NSW last season, his skills with the gloves have waned further.
With Shane Watson standing down as vice-captain, and Clarke’s dodgy back a problem, the five-man selection panel felt they needed a highly-reliable deputy to lead the side in case of a crisis.
But they also need a highly reliable wicketkeeper.
Gone are the days when Adam Gilchrist’s mistakes could be overlooked because Glenn McGrath or Shane Warne would ensure another chance would come after a batsman was let off the hook.
Edges that are grassed or stumping chances wasted will be killers on this Ashes tour against a more-experienced and fancied English outfit.
If Haddin isn’t there taking everything on offer, he and Australia will be under pressure and the selectors will be back to square one – looking for a back-up captain who demands certain selection.
Obviously, Ed Cowan, Dave Warner and Wade were either not regarded as certain selections or tactically astute enough.
And better wicketkeepers Tim Paine and Chris Hartley were ignored.
Otherwise, John Inverarity’s panel have pulled the right reins with the rest of a squad the English will still label “the worst ever to tour” due to a lack of young batsmen pushing their cases.
As disappointed as Steve Smith will be after he stood up in India, evergreen left-hander Chris Rogers is proven and hardened in English conditions and his performances this home summer were second only to Ricky Ponting.
With Watson fit to bowl, the selection of Rogers on top of three other opening batsman means he’ll slot into the middle-order which is best for a genuine allrounder in conditions his swing bowling will enjoy.
Mitchell Johnson can view himself as unlucky but bowling inclusions Ryan Harris and Jackson Bird, who will swing the ball like Terry Alderman, are better suited to the English pitches in a strong pace battery.
The choice of Nathan Lyon as the sole spinner, and the dumpings of Xavier Doherty and Glenn Maxwell, is an admission of guilt from the 4-0 Indian whitewash.
With Australia A playing in the UK before the Ashes, the selectors have been wise to give West Australian teenager Ashton Agar a chance to groove his left-armers over there in an audition for late addition.
