Ashes: Hilditch, Chappell differ on Oz Test XI composition

MELBOURNE - National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch and new panel member Greg Chappell reportedly have differing views on the composition of the Australian Test XI for the forthcoming Ashes series.

Australia’s four selectors are to meet in two weeks time to decide on the squad and the debate is over Mike Hussey’s spot and over a horses for courses policy in terms of team slots.

While the panel led by Andrew Hilditch has always maintained a leaning towards established batsmen, Chappell has a reputation for introducing young blood into teams.

Chappell does not prescribe to the theory that players should be given final chances to prove themselves, Fox Sports reports.

“We want to pick a side that can win the first Test, it is important to start the series well and in Brisbane there will more than likely be a result, so we’d much rather be 1-0 up rather than 1-0 down,” Chappell said.

“I don’t know that anyone is guaranteed anything at this stage. I would expect to go into that first Test match with a side that can win, what happens in the next couple of weeks will decide a few things,” he added.

“Everybody is in the mix. I am on a four-person panel and we certainly have some robust discussions ahead of us, no doubt,” he said.

Hilditch indicated before the Indian tour that the Ashes squad would be the same that toured the subcontinent, but with Australia sliding to an all-time low fifth in the ICC Test rankings, calls for change are ringing louder than ever.

Chappell believes that selections should be made with a view to series beyond the Ashes.

“The priority is the Ashes, but we also must get back into the top four ratings next year when they introduce the Test championship [to be contested among the top four ranked Test nations],” he said.

“If we don’t qualify, that would be a disaster as far as I’m concerned. Everything is open for discussion,” he added.

Chappell has seen Ferguson develop since his teenage years, while the other main middle-order contender, Usman Khawaja, spent much time at the Centre of Excellence, where Chappell was head coach before gaining the full-time talent manager and selector’s role.

“They are very exciting, young cricketers, and I have no doubt they will both represent Australia with some distinction in the future. When that is will be a matter for the panel to work out after some discussion,” Chappell said. (ANI)