Steve Smith and David Warner responsible for Ed Cowan's snub in Sheffield Shield

With an eye on the preparation for the Ashes, key members of the Australian team, captain Steve Smith and opener David Warner, went back to their roots in the New South Wales camp in the Sheffield Shield. This meant that their top scorer from the previous season with 959 runs, Ed Cowan could not find a place into the side.

Further, the election of 28-year old Daniel Hughes who averages 36.68 from 17 first-class games, sparked quite a few murmurs across the cricketing fraternity in Australia. Many believe that Cowan being vocal about this year’s pay dispute contributed to his snub.

“I did have an involvement and it’s a tough selection. Unfortunately, people have to miss out and on this occasion it’s Ed. I’ve told him myself that when he comes back into the team … he has to continue to set the standard and do what he did so well last year,” admitted Steve Smith on him playing a key role for the snubbing of Ed Cowan, during the launch of his biography ‘The Journey’.

Steve Smith on Daniel Hughes

“He looks like he has a very good technique. He plays the new ball well as we’ve seen in one-day cricket. He’s been in terrific form. It’s a good opportunity for him to play with the likes of myself and Davey (Warner), learn a little bit off us and the way we prepare. And a good chance for me to see him play as well … against some good pink-ball bowlers in Adelaide,” claimed the Australian captain when asked about the potential of Hughes.

“Definitely. He’s got composure, got patience … he’s an exceptional talent. Ed will be a bit disappointed … he knows exactly what he needs to do and that’s what he does all the time – just churn out runs. He’s eager to still put that baggy green on. I wish him all the best, he’s a great person and a great leader,” concluded David Warner.