Bailey Defends Ageing Ashes Squad Amid Waugh’s Criticism

Australia’s selector chairman, George Bailey, has publicly defended the choice of an ageing core for the national cricket team’s Ashes squad. His remarks follow criticism from former captain Steve Waugh, who argued that the team needs to rejuvenate its lineup to safeguard its future.

Waugh, speaking at the Sydney Cricket Ground on November 7, voiced his concerns about the squad’s age profile. He suggested Bailey must make decisive choices to regenerate the team, stating that the current group, particularly the bowlers, are predominantly in their 30s. “He’s going to have to step up to the plate with the other selectors,” Waugh told reporters, highlighting the risk posed by the team’s seniority.

In response to Waugh’s comments, Bailey announced the 15-man Ashes squad on November 8, which notably includes only one player under 30, all-rounder Cameron Green. Addressing the media on the Gold Coast, Bailey asserted that player selection was based on performance rather than age. “We’re aware of the age profile of the team,” he stated. “I’m interested when people have that view as to who they would like us to leave out. Is that Nathan Lyon and Mitch Starc just because of their age? You’ve got to give due respect that the guys are performing very well and they have the right to be selected.”

The selectors decided to drop the 20-year-old opener Sam Konstas from the squad, opting instead to include uncapped player Jake Weatherald and recall 31-year-old batter Marnus Labuschagne. For the upcoming five-Test series against England, which begins on November 21 in Perth, either Weatherald or Labuschagne will partner the 38-year-old opener Usman Khawaja.

Australia’s bowling attack has been led by the experienced quartet of Starc, Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins for nearly a decade. Despite Waugh’s concerns, Bailey confirmed that all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was considered but ultimately left out of the squad. This decision allows Marsh, now 34, to watch the first Test in his hometown with a more relaxed approach, as Bailey humorously noted, “We went to the ICC and the issue there was they wouldn’t let the umpires take breathalysers out onto the field.”

As the Ashes series approaches, Bailey’s commitment to maintaining a balance between experience and performance will be closely scrutinised. The outcome of this strategy could have significant implications for the future of Australian cricket.