Michael Hussey bats for Matthew Wade ahead of the Ashes 2017-18

Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey believes that the national selectors should show more faith in the abilities of Matthew Wade ahead of the Ashes this season. Wade has been in the firing range of many pundits for having underperformed in the recent times. Many believe that Peter Nevill should be picked ahead of him for the Ashes. Wade averages under 29 in Test cricket and that has been a cause of concern for many.

Earlier, his wicketkeeping was under the scrutiny. Now, that he has improved in that department, the batting remains a big concern. As per the quotes in the New Daily, Michael Hussey remarked that the selectors should not have dropped Nevill at the first place. Now that they did so, they should show more faith in Wade an stick to him for the Ashes.

“When Nevill was dropped initially, I must admit I was a little surprised. But the selectors made that call and went with Matthew Wade — and I would prefer them to back him now. Show some faith, show some belief, give him [Wade] the opportunity in the Ashes series. And then if it doesn’t work out, then maybe look at it again,” quoted Michael Hussey.

“It seems like he has really improved his keeping. Batting-wise he might not have made as [many runs as] everyone would have liked but maybe this is his series,” he added.

Bold prediction

When asked to make a prediction on the results of the Ashes, the former cricketer was very bold in ruling it in the favor of the hosts. He feels that the Australian team will steamroll the English side 3-1 in the series. However, he remarked that it will be tough series nonetheless.

“I think it will be a tough series. Australia are the favourites but there are lots of challenges along the way — the pressure of the Ashes, the expectations and one has to remember that there are plenty of guys in our team yet to experience it [Ashes cricket]. (But) Australia to win 3-1,” conceded Hussey.