The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : ‘Performance is what counts’

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‘Performance is what counts’

Bangalore: Australian cricket selector, Jamie Cox, who is accompanying the ‘A’ team in its tour of India, said that Andrew Symonds would be evaluated on the basis of his performance and that the recent controversy would not mar his chances as and when he is made available for selection.

“The disciplinary action against Symonds has been taken by the players who are part of the leadership group with help from Cricket Australia. As for his selection, that is as and when he is made available, we will not judge him by this incident but by his performance as a player. It is performance that counts,” Cox said.

The ‘performance-mantra’ was again in vogue when Cox said that the age-factor never influences selections.

“Look, a 34 or 35-year-old is still in the prime of his life and can do things that a 24-year-old does. But yes if we think that the particular player’s ability on the field in terms of his athleticism is being affected by his age, then yes it does become a factor but as long as he performs the roles that are expected of him, then it doesn’t matter.

“We don’t give much importance to the age while mulling over selection,” he said.

An appraisal

Cox mentioned that the current ‘A’ tour will also serve as an appraisal of a few players for spots in the senior team that will tour India next month.

“Yes the spinners we have here — McGain, Casson and Krejza — have done well in the domestic championship back home. There are a few spots in spin as well as pace but you don’t find easy replacements for Warne and McGrath.

“It is good to have Shaun Tait on the one-day leg of this tour. He is coming back from injury incidents and we will monitor his fitness. A fully-fit Tait is an exotic talent who wins matches for Australia,” Cox said. — Principal Correspondent

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