Steve Smith Addresses Australia's Selection Dilemma

'It certainly would be a tough call.'


3 September 2017

Ethan Meldrum

(Image: Getty)

Australian skipper Steve Smith says there'll be a "tough call" on whether Matthew Wade retains his place in the side for tomorrow's Test, with a decision to be made at the toss.

Wade has come under fire since being brought into the side for his batting, averaging just 21.25 across nine Tests, including a 4 and a 5 in the first Test against Bangladesh.

It was combined with 30 byes for the match.

Smith said the camp was still undecided about whether to drop him and hand the gloves to part-time keeper Peter Handscomb, who Smith said would "catch a few balls indoors".

"We are still talking about it, it is obviously an option," Smith told reporters.

"It certainly would be a tough call.

"I think when we are looking at 'Matty' we just need a little bit more from him with the bat in particular. 

"He knows that he has to do a little bit better with the bat. And he’s had those conversations."

There is some discussion to be had at the selection table, with Josh Hazlewood injured and a replacement likely to be chosen from either Jackson Bird or Stephen O'Keefe.

Hilton Cartwright would also come into consideration should the selectors drop a member of the top seven such as Wade or Usman Khawaja, with his seam bowling a potential addition with Hazlewood down.