ronchi, you have one chance, aim for the heart

Brad Haddin is yet to confirm his place as Australia’s new Keeper.

While I grudgingly agree he has been the best performed domestic keeper over the last 5 years, so far his test career has looked far less assured.

He hasn’t made runs.

He has dropped a catch.

And there are a few byes floating around that he should have stopped.

Now he has broken a finger.

Mumbai’s reserve wicket keeper, Luke Ronchi, has been rushed over to be the spare man if needed, or if Tim Neilson wants to copy Braces.

Although Australia only copy New Zealand if their gambles take off, this one hasn't.

I personally think Ronchi could be a better option than Haddin, which puts me in the minority.

People will say Haddin, with the better record for a long period has earned the job, I say, bullshit.

Tim Zoehrer deserved the wicket keeping spot far more than Ian Healy did, but Healy was a long term selection who ultimately justified his position.

If Haddin misses out, and Rocnhi hits one of those ADD afflicted hundreds he is so fond of, the selectors would be hard pressed to justify Haddin ahead of him.

But, if I am reading the selectors correctly, they will still pick Haddin.

Australian spots are no longer earnt, they are now promised.

Johnson gets one for showing potential.

Katich and Hodge get one because they were so long the next best batsman around.

And Stuart MacGill got one because 200 test wickets bought him one, not because his recent form justified it.

The Australian position has become the place for 30 year old professionals to cash in on early superannuation.

I say pick the best XI for now and the future.

If Ronchi takes his chance, then Haddin should have to wait until Ronchi fails or Haddin's performances demand he gets the job back.

Australia isn't good enough to guarantee positions based on the fact you are from New South Wales, or the fact that you have had a long and distinguished state career.

From now on they should be the best man for each individual job.

Well that should always be the rule, but anyway, lets see if they start it from now.www.cricketwithballs.com

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