Adam Gilchrist urges the selectors to have patience with the man behind the wicket for the Ashes

Former Australian cricketer Adam Gilchrist has said that whoever gets to keep the wickets in the upcoming Ashes series, should get a longer rope. The legendary Australian has added that he is not sure who gets to don the gloves but believes it is only fair to provide the candidate enough time to prove himself. Gilly also sympathized with out of favor Matthew Wade and Peter Nevill and added that he won’t be surprised if South Australia’s Alex Carey gets a game.

Wade has struggled with both bat and gloves during the series against Bangladesh, followed by the tough Indian tour and he was replaced by part-time keeper Peter Handscomb in the recently concluded ODI series. Gilchrist feels Wade has been ‘harshly judged’ for conceding 30 byes in the first Test match.

“Wade has come in and six of his 10 Tests back have been on the subcontinent , the most difficult wicketkeeping and batting conditions you will come across,” Gilchrist told AAP.

Faith by the selectors is key: Gilchrist

“The player group will probably hope he is shown a bit of faith by the selectors, given a chance back home.”I think Nevill was a bit harshly treated when they made the wholesale changes last summer,” Gilchrist said. I didn’t think he was missing anything with the gloves really.And he got a 60-odd the game before. He was probably the victim of a failing top order.” he added.

He also felt that there might be a wildcard entry into the important series. He said”They might want to start afresh with Carey. I understand the different points of view,” Either way they go I can understand.

He said patience is the key when it comes to picking players. “There is so much cricket between now and the first Test, whoever gets it done in those Shield games will probably get the opportunity.But whoever they pick, stick with them for a while, try and get some stability there. It is up to the player to warrant selection but if the selectors give them a decent run it could really launch a career.” he added.