PETER Handscomb will not be released to play in the Big Bash League this week as Mike Hussey questioned how the axed Australian batsman will handle his swift demise.
With no Sheffield Shield cricket available for Handscomb to return to and find form, Cricket Australia have made the decision that the right-hander will remain with the squad in Perth rather than going back for Twenty20 matches with the Melbourne Stars.
It’s highly likely Handscomb will be part of the Ashes squad for the fourth Test on Boxing Day at the MCG.
Hussey said he disagreed with the decision by selectors to punt Handscomb when he averages 47 in Test cricket and Australia is 2-0 up in the Ashes series.
The man they call Mr Cricket said Handscomb faces a stern mental battle to ensure he doesn’t slip off the radar.
“It’s difficult for sure. It’ll be interesting to see how he mentally deals with something like this,” said Hussey on Fox Sports News.
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“Hopefully it doesn’t put him too far back and create that doubt in his own mind. All he can do is be quite pragmatic about it.
“I’m sure they’ll explain to him and say, ‘look mate you’re still well part of our plans and we need the extra bowling option, go away, score some runs have some fun and I’m sure you’ll be back in soon’.”
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“You just to hope he can go away, put it to one side as best he can, get his confidence up and hopefully we’ll see him back soon.”
Hussey said it was the wrong call to move on from Handscomb, even despite selectors feeling they needed the extra bowling option in all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.
“Personally I would have liked them to stick with Peter Handscomb. The reasons being they’re 2-0 up and have been playing extremely good cricket,” said Hussey.
“He still averages 47 in Test match cricket so I’d like the selectors to show faith and trust and back him in.
“Plus the bowling group is not going to get too hot this week. They’ve had a week off and they complement each other really well so I don’t see any issues in having to bring in another bowling options.”
Australia’s 13th man Jackson Bird has been released to play BBL for the Sydney Sixers.
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