If you pick the wrong people, you can get into trouble

Former captain Ian Chappell has hit out at Australia’s selectors after the hosts suffered an unexpected nine-wicket wicket loss against Bangladesh in the first Test in Darwin. Chappell opined Australia made some poor selection calls for the opening Test against Bangladesh and paid the price for the same.

Following the shocking defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin, Australia have dropped opener Jake Weatherald for the second Test and have handed a comeback to Matt Renshaw. Marnus Labuschagne, however, survived the axe despite scoring only 32 runs in the first Test. The second match of the series against Bangladesh starts in Mackay from August 22.

Speaking to nine.com.au, Chappell questioned the thought process behind Australia’s selection choices and commented:

“If you pick the wrong people in the first place, you can get into trouble. With their selections, they have shown to me that they do not understand things very well. To me, it is the selectors who’ve got themselves into this problem. Now they have got to try and find a way out. But I am not convinced that they’re good enough to find a way out.”

In six Test matches, Weatherald has scored 224 runs at an average of 20.36, with just one fifty. As for Labuschagne, he hasn’t scored a Test ton since 2023. In 15 innings last year, he scored 271 runs at an average of 20.84 and, in four innings this year, he has managed 117 runs.

“He is there to make centuries, and you are batting him at seven” – Chappell on Australian all-rounder Beau Webster

Chappell also lashed out at the team management for batting all-rounder Beau Webster at the No. 7 position. Pointing out to his impressive record with the willow, he opined:

“He is there to make centuries, and you are batting him at seven. What is that?

Asked about Victoria’s upcoming stars Campbell Kellaway and Oliver Peake, the 82-year-old replied that they are not ready for Test cricket. He said:

“I think Kellaway and Peake have got talent, but are they ready? I’m not too sure about that. If you look at their Shield record, averages in the 20s should not get you into an Australian side.”

Kellaway has an average of 31.52 from 44 first-class games, while Peake averages 26 from 14 first-class matches.

Edited by Renin Wilben Albert