Quantcast

Mennie sensed Test axing

Fast bowler says his drive and motivation was not wavered as he aims to return to the Test arena

Redbacks quick Joe Mennie knew his fledgling Test career was in deep trouble the moment South Africa completed a thumping innings-win over Australia in Hobart last month.

Four days earlier Mennie was presented his Baggy Green cap by Tasmania and former Test quick Ben Hilfenhaus on the field of play in front of the Ricky Ponting Stand an hour before the toss. 

It had taken the right-armer five years of first-class cricket to get to that point but what happened next must have felt like the blinking of an eye.

Ferguson and Mennie receive their Baggy Greens

Within 21 overs, Mennie, batting at No.8, was at the crease with his new side in complete disarray after the Proteas won the toss, sent Australia in and proceeded to dismantle the hosts’ fragile batting line-up on a green pitch under grey skies.

Mennie survived to lunch but not long after, dismissed for 10 in what turned out to be the second-highest score of the innings and only one of two players to reach double-figures as Australia were bowled out for 85.

While he didn’t have to wait long for his first Test run, Mennie’s first Test wicket took its time. 

With his 153rd ball in Test cricket, Mennie captured the wicket of obdurate middle-order batsman Temba Bavuma with a delivery that kicked up off a length, caught a leading edge and ballooned to Nathan Lyon at point before the bowler was swamped by his teammates and his hair ruffled in celebration. 

Mennie celebrates his first Test wicket

Facing a deficit of 241 runs, Australia were in good shape at 2-129, but a seismic collapse of 8-32 in 20 overs delivered a resounding win to the Proteas, who wrapped up the series 2-nil, and prematurely put Mennie’s Test career on hold almost faster than it began. 

"After a loss like that you knew there was always going to be changes and I didn’t really want to guess too much," Mennie, who finished with 1-85 from 28 overs, told cricket.com.au. 

"As the (selector’s) call came through you understood, that’s the way the world is. 

"It was very disappointing, I would’ve loved another crack but the way it is you talk to anyone that’s been dropped and they would’ve loved another shot. 

"That’s the same for most. 

"There’s always going to be changes and that’s the way it is."

Watch all 10 Australian wickets as Proteas win

Mennie was dumped from the third Test squad on his home turf in Adelaide, replaced by Tasmania’s Jackson Bird and state teammate Chadd Sayers as Australian cricket underwent an overhaul not seen in 30 years.

Eleven days after the Hobart loss, Mennie was back on the field, this time in Melbourne representing South Australia and doing what he does best: taking wickets. 

The Coffs Harbour product claimed six wickets for the match alongside Sayers who was deemed surplus to requirements for the third Test and sent back to Shield cricket.

Mennie says the quick turnaround, from Test to Shield cricket, has helped dampen the flames of disappointment that were ignited over four cold days in Hobart. 

"I haven’t had a chance to reflect or sit back and look at it at all, which has probably been good," he said. 

"I got straight back into cricket and kept going about it, no real down time as yet. 

"It was a really enjoyable time and very disappointing to be dropped but that’s the way professional sport is and not something you can dwell on or it will eat you up."

Mennie grabs four on Shield return

Now Mennie turns his attention to the white ball, coloured clothing and the game’s shortest format in his maiden season with the Sydney Sixers.

But while he’ll be aiming to deliver the men in magenta a second KFC Big Bash League title this summer, his main goal is to get back into Australia’s Test team. 

And stay there. 

"(I’ve got the) same drive, same motivation as I’ve always had," Mennie said. 

"I’ve had a taste of it now and I know what to expect. 

"I just have to do what I did to get there and worry about my game and getting results for South Australia."

International cricket is more affordable than ever this summer, with adult tickets from $30, kids from $10 and family packages from $65 across every day of international cricket. Price for purchase at match. Transaction fee from $6.95 applies to online and other purchases. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.