Reputations would count for nothing when choosing Ashes squad: Chappell

SYDNEY - Australian selector Greg Chappell has said reputations would count for nothing when the national selectors meet later this week to pick Australia’s squad for the Ashes opener at the Gabba in Brisbane.

While Chappell refused to sound the death knell on Michael Hussey’s 54-Test career, he said form would count for plenty at the selection table.

“It’s a performance-based meritocracy. Those that perform will do OK, those that don’t perform it will be that much harder,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Chappell, as saying.

Hussey said: “I haven’t thought about it. I’ve pretty much removed myself from the media speculation that is going around. I didn’t even know when the team gets named so I’m hoping I’m on the sheet.”

Hussey remains a force in Australia’s limited-overs sides but has endured a modest run in the five-day arena in the past two years with just two centuries from his past 28 Tests. His average dipped below 50 during last month’s series.

With Western Australia not involved in Shield action this week, the left-hander, who made scores of zero and three against South Australia in his most recent first-class match, will not get another hit before selectors name their squad.

His position in the side was weakened further after centuries to Marcus North and Ferguson in the latest round of Shield matches, and Khawaja’s impressive start to the season, which has netted him 274 runs at an average of 137.

Ferguson will face England in a tour match in Adelaide, while Khawaja faces reigning Shield champions Victoria at the SCG in a bumper week for the domestic competition.

England play a four-day tour match against Australia A in Hobart starting tomorrow week.

Chappell said. “We’ve got an eye on what we think we’ll need. The ones we need to play Australia A will play and some of them will be well and truly on the radar. Any performance in that game will be important.”

Selectors will name the Australia A squad today. (ANI)