Desperate to get a result in last two games: Tony Dodemaide
After suffering two humiliating defeats on the trot in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia are aiming to return back strongly and win the last two matches to end the series on level terms. Australia selector Tony Dodemaide stated that the team is desperate to get a result in the remaining two matches. Eventually to stay alive in the World Test Championship (WTC) final’s race.
The 59-year-old also talked about the upcoming Ashes. He mentioned that they will only select players who are best fit to represent Australia in Tests. However, his main focus is on the India series as their qualification for the WTC final is still under threat.
“We’re worried about what we can get out of these remaining two Tests, obviously that’s a clear focus for us at the moment. We’ll address the Ashes planning (at a later time), but we are committed to picking the best fit and available players for Test series, particularly something as big as the Ashes,” Dodemaide said on Wednesday as quoted by the West Australian.
“That’s not a question that we’ve addressed so far. We are very keen, as everyone I’m sure at home would be, for us to get something out of this remaining series. We can still draw the series here, but it’s a tough ask in order to do that, there’s no doubt about that. Also for the World Test Championship, we’re desperate to get a result out of these last two games,” the former cricketer added.
Dodemaide explains reason behind Ashton Agar’s exclusion
Leg spinner Mitchell Swepson is set to rejoin the squad ahead of the third Test in Indore. Australia have sent their previoulsy included Ashton Agar home. Talking about the same, Dodemaide revealed that there are too many spinners available for selection at the moment and thus, they had to call him back.
Significantly he lauded Swepson and stated that the spinner has worked really hard and supported the team well during his time.
“With Mitchell Swepson coming back as well that will essentially give us five spinners in the squad for the remaining two Tests, which is probably too many, really, saving an absolute disaster. Ashton’s worked incredibly hard when he was here, he’s done his absolute best to support the team and we acknowledge all the work that he’s done over here. He’s really tried his backside off,” Dodemaide said.
