Australia selector Greg shows soft corner towards debutant; says there's no pressure on left-armer ahead of Perth Test
Australia selector Greg shows soft corner towards debutant; says there's no pressure on left-armer ahead of Perth Test |
| Michael Beer bowls in the nets during a training session at the WACA yesterday. Pic/Getty images |
Australian selector Greg Chappell said yesterday there was absolutely no pressure on debutante left-armer Michael Beer to be the country's long term spin solution after as many as nine spinners had been tested and rested since Shane Warne's retirement in 2007, reported the Sydney Morning Herald "He (Beer) doesn't have to be the guy. He just has to do his best, that is all we can ask, it will be a team effort, he won't do it on his own,"' said the former India coach.
"There are no guarantees but that doesn't mean we stop trying. We think he has got enough going for him that gives him the best chance to do well. Michael is displaying qualities that show he has got a good chance to succeed.
"We talked to opposition players and other people and they have given him quite good raps. We're as confident as we can be," added Chappell, who attended a training session in Perth during pre-season and was impressed with what he saw of Beer in the nets.
The Western Australian picked for the third Ashes Test against England beginning Thursday and who has just five first-class games under his belt, had a marathon net session bowling to Mike Hussey under the keen eye of skipper Ricky Ponting. Speaking after his first training session yesterday, Beer said: "I am looking forward to the challenge. I am confident in my own ability in a contest and hopefully that comes out shining. I love a challenge and I am just running off that."
Beer said he's a much-improved bowler since the last few months. "I am (better) at a number of things, from on the field, the way I bowl, to my professionalism off the field."
One thing the goes in Beer's favour is that he has played against the English, returning match figures of 5-207 from 40.4 overs at around five runs per over, in the opening tour match last month. "I think it will help, being in the same surroundings and I'll take a fair bit out of that contest I had with them."
