Arthur backs ‘exceptional’ Beer to succeed in Perth Test

BRISBANE - Former South Africa and Western Australia coach Mickey Arthur has backed left-arm spinner Michael Beer to succeed where Xavier Doherty and the eight other spinners selected since leg-spin legend Shane Warne’s retirement have failed.

Beer has been playing club cricket in Melbourne for less than a year and has appeared in just five first-class games for Western Australia, but was named in Australia’s 12-man squad for the third Ashes Test in Perth.

“There’s no doubt he (Beer) can handle the challenge in Perth,” the Guardian quoted Arthur, as saying.

“The role he has played for us through the summer has been exceptional. There are not many spinners who can come on, especially in Perth, and stop a game. He has been able to do that,” he added.

Arthur further said that the 26-year-old has a fantastic temperament to pose problems for some of the English batsmen.

“He’s got that little bit about him that will make him fire. He certainly won’t be overawed by the occasion. They’re clearly looking for a left-arm spinner and there’s no better one in Australia than Michael Beer,” he added.

Beer is one of four changes from the Australian team that was thrashed by an innings and 71 runs in the second Test at Adelaide Oval. (ANI)