John Benaud calls for Shane Warne to lead selection overhaul

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24869573-11088,00.html



FORMER Test selector John Benaud has called for an overhaul of Australia's selection panel, and says legend Shane Warne would be the ideal candidate to lead a new era.

Firing a broadside at the current panel, Benaud labelled selectors "too conservative" and believes either Andrew Hilditch, Jamie Cox or David Boon must be sacked.

Benaud, part of the selection team that handed Warne his Test debut in 1992, said the current panel had:

FAILED to make the tough call by dropping struggling opener Matthew Hayden.

BEEN left embarrassed by the decision to play the injured Andrew Symonds in the Melbourne Test.

BLUNDERED by dropping off-spinner Jason Krejza for Nathan Hauritz after the first Test loss.

LACKED the foresight to fast-track NSW whiz-kid Phillip Hughes.

Benaud said Warne had the innovation and flair to be a revelation as a national selector.

"You need a personality like him," he said. "He reads the game well, he has that flair, he won't be afraid to take a risk.

"I have no doubt Warnie would be excellent."

"Take out either Hilditch, Boon or Cox - one of those three must go."

Benaud said the panel had too many like-minded individuals.

"They err on the side of conservatism and the fact that three of the four (selectors) were opening batsmen - all conservative-type players - has something to do with their selection attitudes," he said.

Why didn't he suggest dumping Merv Hughes as well? He always sounds like a complete moron.

i think most of us would agree with the benaud criticisms.

"Why didn't he suggest dumping Merv Hughes as well? He always sounds like a complete moron"

I guess his point is that, as a bowler, MH is the only element of diversity on the board, and that one of the three opening batsmen should be let go.

horace wrote:i think most of us would agree with the benaud criticisms.

Aye, sound stuff from the junior Benaud.

Warne is going to be pretty busy with all the offers or purported offers he's receiving and the calls for him to put his fingers in any number of pies.

Wouldn't someone like Damien Fleming have more of a clue re. bowling than the moronic Hughes?

FAILED to make the tough call by dropping struggling opener Matthew Hayden. Agreed

BEEN left embarrassed by the decision to play the injured Andrew Symonds in the Melbourne Test. Agreed

BLUNDERED by dropping off-spinner Jason Krejza for Nathan Hauritz after the first Test loss. Agree

LACKED the foresight to fast-track NSW whiz-kid Phillip Hughes.
Happy for Hughes to wait a year or two more.

**John Benaud in mental collapse following news of Zat's disagreement re phew shocker**

Zat also in tasteful red ink moment

It beats the hell out of chiselling into the monitor llike you do.

Red wrote:Warne is going to be pretty busy with all the offers or purported offers he's receiving and the calls for him to put his fingers in any number of pies.

His fingers?

lardbucket wrote:

Red wrote:Warne is going to be pretty busy with all the offers or purported offers he's receiving and the calls for him to put his fingers in any number of pies.

His fingers?

PMSL

... afore of fish and finger pie?

Warne wouldn't be a good member of the NSP - he obviously plays favourites.