We've been racking our brains at the Reverse Sweep to understand why Australia have replaced one inexperienced and sub-standard left arm spinner in Xavier Doherty with another in Michael Beer who has even less first-class experience.
We think that we may know the answer. And it is a remarkably simple explanation.
As the Australian selectors convened and Chairman Andrew Hiditch called the meeting to order, he explained that they had a number of tricky choices to make and suggested that they start with the specialist spinner position.
"I think we would all agree that Punter's gamble on his Tasmanian mate hasn't worked. Unfortunately, Xavier doesn't have the X-Factor" Hidlitch may have said.
"The choice seems to be either going back to Little Nathan, or maybe picking another left-arm spinner like Steve O'Keefe or even this guy that Warney has mentioned called Michael Beer. What do you think?"
At this point, the waiter came to the table and asked what everyone wanted to drink.
"Beer" answered David Boon, still thinking wistfully of his recently sacked mate Merv Hughes.
"I'll go for beer too" agreed Jamie Cox.
"Why not, I'll have beer as well" said Greg Chappell.
"Ok, Beer it is" said Hilditch. "That was remarkably easy. Now that's move on to Marcus North's position..."
Where next?
Read all the latest from our Ashes 2010/11 coverage
Check out all our Reverse Sweep heroes and zeroes
If you like this, follow us on Twitter @thereversesweep
Cricket Australia should nurture and persist young talent like this for regaining their top position.
Posted by: Bodyguard Title Song Katrina Salman | Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 07:26
you have ever thought about how curious Michael's last name is??? I mean his last name is Beer, I could make a lot of jokes about his last name! haha
Posted by: Pay per head service | Friday, February 01, 2013 at 00:11