Hussey 'shocked' at Test squad changes

Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey says he “can’t believe” how many players were axed in Australia’s revamped Test squad that includes six new faces.

Interim chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns today named a 12-man for the third Commonwealth Bank Test against South Africa in Adelaide, with half the squad that lost the series in Hobart dropped.

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“Wow! I’m in a bit of shock,” Hussey told the Unplayable Podcast when he first heard the third Test squad.

“I can’t believe there’s been so many changes. The selectors have really wielded the axe."

“They’ve not taken the two losses to South Africa very well and they’ve cut quite a few players and picked a whole range of new guys.”

Australia surrendered the series to South Africa after losing the first two Tests of the summer by 177 runs in Perth and an innings and 80 runs in Hobart, sparking a call for a mass clean out of the XI that had lost complete confidence after five consecutive Test defeats.

Captain Steve Smith, coach Darren Lehmann and chief executive James Sutherland each forecast changes in the wake of the Hobart hammering, but Hussey was adamant Australia’s selectors needed to pick the best side to win the third Test, regardless of age.

Instead, the new-look selection panel opted for a significant turnover of personnel with a focus on youth, to the point where 30-year-old vice-captain David Warner is the oldest member of the squad.

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Up to four fresh Baggy Green caps could be handed out on Thursday afternoon, but Hussey says he feels for the two players who have been dropped after making their debut just eight days ago in the Tasmanian capital.

“I’m not sure I would have gone for that many changes, personally,” Hussey said.

“I’m sure the selectors would have had a lot of discussion leading into these decisions and there’s some really tough calls been made there.

“It’s a very tough call on players like (Callum) Ferguson and Joe Mennie who were just given one opportunity.

“I thought Joe Mennie (1-85) bowled quite well in the Test match in Hobart.

“He’s well within his right to feel a little aggrieved.

“And Callum Ferguson, he’s pretty unlucky.

“It was tough conditions for batting (in Hobart); he was run out in the first innings and a pretty unlucky dismissal in the second innings.

“He’s got to find himself a little bit unlucky to be given just one opportunity at Test match level and find himself back in Shield cricket.”

Queensland opener Matthew Renshaw replaces teammate Joe Burns at the top of the order, while Victorian Peter Handscomb and New South Welshman Nic Maddinson come in for Ferguson and Adam Voges, who was not considered as he recovers from the concussion he sustained batting for Western Australia.

Burns was recalled to cover for the injured Shaun Marsh after the left-hander broke his finger in the field on day one of the Test series on his home turf at the WACA Ground.

Now that Burns has made way for Renshaw, Hussey is already thinking ahead to what will happen when Marsh is ready to return.

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“The question I have is what’s going to happen when Shaun Marsh is fit again?,” Hussey said.

“Are they going to (take) Renshaw back out or are they going to give him a good opportunity and a good run at it as well?

“There’s more questions there that need to be answered.”

While he might be puzzled by the overhaul of the Test XI, Hussey says he’s pleased for Handscomb, who he worked with during his time with Australia A earlier this year.

“Handscomb, what about the timing?,” Hussey said.

“With the Australian team battling a fair bit, to score a double-century against NSW in front of Steve Smith definitely got him over the line to get picked for Australia.

“He is a very good young player and I know he’s been identified for a period of time now.

“He’s been the Australia A captain throughout the winter.

“I just really hope now that they’ve given him an opportunity they stick with him for a while and give him a good opportunity to grow into the role and not cut him as well if he has a couple of ordinary Test matches in a row.

“It’s important to give these guys an opportunity.”

MEET AUSTRALIA'S FOUR NEW FACES

• Matt Renshaw. 20. Left-hander, averages 41 from 11 first-class games with two centuries. Yorkshire-born, moved to New Zealand aged seven, then Australia age 11. Queensland's leading Sheffield Shield run-scorer last season.
• Nic Maddinson. 24. Left-hander, averages 38 from 58 first-class games for NSW. Played two Twenty20 games for Australia in 2013. Has made two tons and an 86 in the Shield this season.
• Peter Handscomb. 25. Right-handed Victorian averaging a tick over 40 from 61 first-class games, nine centuries. Son of British parents, holds a British passport but has been in Australia's system since under 19s.
• Chadd Sayers. 29. Medium-fast bowler in the Alderman mould. Has taken 184 wickets at 23.80 in 46 first-class matches. Renowned for making the ball swing at Adelaide Oval.