Zeroes: Andrew Hilditch

 
As the pain for their side continues in Adelaide, we're sure that most Australians would concur with us that their Chairman of Selectors Andrew Hilditch has a lot to answer for. 

Whilst his fellow selectors Greg Chappell and David Boon are also complicit, as Chairman the buck should stop with Hilditch for what has to date been a confused and borderline schizophrenic selection policy.

Nathan Hauritz isn't the greatest spinner in the world, but he isn't the worst either and he'd taken a bag of wickets in the home series against Pakistan and West Indies last summer. So the decision to drop him before the series was strange. As Shane Warne rightly observed, by dropping the incumbent, Hilditch and co put themselves in a difficult position should they need to go back to him.

That they selected a replacement with a first-class bowling average touching 50 only compels the error and surprise, surprise Xavier Doherty has looked out of his depth and has failed to take wickets or tie up an end - indeed he has gone at five an over in Adelaide.

Ever since a 17 man squad was named ten days prior to the 1st Test, Australia's selection policy has looked panickyand confused. True, they got the decision to stick with Mike Hussey right, but the continued retention of North plusthe jettisoning of Hilfenhaus and even Johnson after one only Test smacks of England's selection merry-go-round of the 1980s and 90s. Ricky Ponting certainly didn't seem too impressed with the cards Hilditch had handed him when he spoke immediately before Adelaide.

If one looks for a clue as to why Hilditch's decision making has a tendency to go wonky under any sort of pressure, we only need to look at what he did at the crease during his mostly unsuccessful spell as a Test opener.

Hilditch was rather fond of playing the hook - even if he didn't execute the shot very well. So opposition captains - like David Gower in the 1985 Ashes series - set the trap and like a punch-drunk boxer, Hilditch fell for it every time. His idiocy at falling for the same trick each time was exemplified by the fact that fielders could be seen laughing as he Hilditch departed in the all-too familiar fashion. His last test was against New Zealand - yes, you've guessed it he was out both times to hook shots.

So, Mr Hilditch, if you are thinking about dropping anyone for Perth, perhaps you should hook your own name from the office door before even Doherty's and North's. 

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Comments

[bettiwettiwoo]

Hilditch has let it be know that he intends to apply for an extension of his contract (which runs out just after the World Cup). Rejoice, rest of the cricket world.

[The Reverse Sweep]

Surely they won't give it to him?

[Vim]

They gave Nielsen a new contract just after they lost or drew everything in England this year so there is no reason why Hilditch won't be rewarded for incompetence as well. CA operates in a bell jar.

[The Reverse Sweep]

Very unlike Australians giving people reward for failing. Looks like Doherty will remain for Perth then!