Warne asks Oz selectors to consider Beer for Perth Test

SYDNEY - Australian cricket legend Shane Warne has asked the selectors to consider the local knowledge of West Australian left-arm spinner Michael Beer for the critical third Ashes Test in Perth.

Beer (26) has bowled decently in his five first-class matches for the Warriors, taking 16 wickets at an average of 39.93.

Describing the unfortunate Xavier Doherty as a “Ricky Ponting selection”, Warne argued that in the absence of a standout option, Beer’s experience at the WACA would be valuable, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

“Spin-bowling options are difficult. Xavier Doherty has not had an ideal situation to come in and play two Test matches,” Warne wrote in the London Telegraph.

“He has been behind the eight ball every time so it is very hard if they say, ’sorry, you are out mate’. He was obviously a Ricky Ponting selection. He wanted him in, but given the situation of the series, Australia may need to go with an experienced player,” he said.

“We are now back to what I said before the series started. Where do they go? Do they opt for Nathan Hauritz or a wrist-spinner like Steve Smith? Do they play two spinners or none at all and prepare a green, grassy wicket in Perth?

“That would be a big gamble against England’s seam attack. The pitch is not fast and bouncy these days, so maybe you get a local guy who knows the Perth conditions, like left-arm spinner Michael Beer,” Warne wrote.

“Sometimes horses for courses works. Australia has to explore all options and win this next match to get back in this series,” he adds.

Looking ahead to the distinct possibility of a lost series, Warne forecast the necessity of considerable change.

“If Australia lose this series badly then that is the time to reassess everything and say right, it is back to the drawing board,” he wrote. (ANI)