India vs Australia: ‘You cannot afford to miss a chance behind the stumps’ – Michael Hussey backs Wriddhiman Saha ahead of Boxing Day Test
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Wriddhiman Saha
India’s nightmare in Adelaide calls for some big changes in the Test ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Two changes are certain following Virat Kohli‘s departure and Mohammed Shami‘s injury. But it is the additional changes under stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane which is being looked forward to. At the first look, opener Prithvi Shaw seems to be high up in the pecking order when it comes to facing the axe at the MCG. The youngster not only failed with the bat but was disappointing in the field too.
The next candidate in the order is experienced gloveman, Wriddhiman Saha. Despite a promising outing in the tour games, Saha scored a paltry 13 runs in the pink-ball Test. And was mediocre behind the stumps with only one dismissal to his name. The circumstances coupled with Rishabh Pant‘s prowess with the bat might tempt the management to opt for the Delhi lad.
The runs a wicketkeeper makes are a bonus
Former Australia batsman Michael Hussey feels that the think tank has been right so far in picking Saha. And should continue to back him for the series. Hussey feels that the wicketkeeper should be picked based on his skills with the gloves. And Saha is the clear winner between the two when it comes to glovework. The Aussie legend adds that runs by a wicketkeeper should be seen as a bonus.
“For me it comes down to who is the better wicketkeeper and I think the selectors have made the right choice so far,” he said on ESPNCricinfo.
“Saha is an outstanding wicketkeeper and a good batsman as well. In the past, I’ve seen the run the wicketkeeper makes as a bonus. I think you go for the best wicketkeeper because you cannot afford to miss a chance behind the stumps – off spinners or the quicks.”
Hussey admits that Pant could prove handy with the bat, especially in Kohli’s absence. But still feels that Saha is a better choice in this high profile series. Pant might be preferred over Saha for the upcoming encounter given how fragile the visitors have been with the bat. India suffered two batting collapses in Adelaide with one which will go down history as the worst of them all.
“However, you take Virat Kohli out of the equation and you’re bringing in obviously a lesser batsman. Perhaps the extra runs that Rishabh Pant can provide does become a consideration. I’m still leaning towards sticking with Saha but I’ll be open to conversation and seeing what the senior members of the team think,” Hussey said.
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