Oz media blasts MacGill for targeting George, selectors

SYDNEY - Australian media has criticized former spinner Stuart MacGill after he expressed his displeasure at the way the Australian team was selected and young paceman Peter George was picked to make his Test debut against India in Bangalore.

George received his baggy green cap in Bangalore on Saturday after Doug Bollinger’s withdrawal because of a muscle strain.

MacGill said George, who took 0-38 from 15 overs on Monday’s third day of the second Test, won’t gain any sort of confidence from toiling away on Indian pitches ahead of the Ashes series in Australia.

“MacGill has always been known for his free-thinking, outspoken ways. But his ill-advised, even ridiculous, comments about the shape of the Australian pace bowling attack in India illustrated the problem of former players - in any sport - offering public opinions based on precious little relevant knowledge,” The Sydney Morning Herald said.

“In his job on morning radio, MacGill is required to stir things up a little. As a means of promoting the Austereo show, his comments are often picked up by the network and emailed around the country to interested journalists,” it says.

MacGill also tried to compare George with another South Australian, Twenty20 specialist Shaun Tait.

The paper says MacGill’s suggestions that George was not ready for Tests, and that he was in any way similar to Tait, betrayed a level of understanding akin to that of an American.

George is debuting India and playing a Test because there is no-one else available. Doug Bollinger, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris are among the more senior bowlers either injured or making their returns from injury.

“MacGill suggested that Stuart Clark, 35, should be on tour, but that ignored the fact that the Australian team has already turned towards youth. Clark’s record in India - two wickets at 80.5 in two Tests - is poor anyway,” it says. (ANI)