Australia's selector gambles pay off in South Africa victory

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 00:33 · Archive

Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in a match vindicated by selection choices that had drawn criticism.

Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs in Durban in a result that vindicated a series of selection decisions. The selection of Nic Maddinson, which had drawn criticism a week earlier for disrespecting the Sheffield Shield, looks set to be justified, with Maddinson likely to retain his spot.

Since George Bailey was appointed chief selector in 2021, supported by Tony Dodemaide and with Andrew McDonald becoming coach, the selection panel under Pat Cummins' captaincy has made a habit of controversial picks that later pay off. When selectors omitted a spinner in Sydney last summer, calling in Beau Webster for Mitch Marsh, Australia won easily, with Webster scoring 71 not out and taking three wickets. Michael Neser claimed 5-42 when left out of the Gabba in December, and Scott Boland took a hat-trick when recalled for Jamaica after Nathan Lyon's first omission in 12 years.

However, the panel's golden touch has not been universal. Matt Renshaw's selection over Travis Head in India in 2023 proved unsuccessful, and Nathan McSweeney faced a difficult debut as opener in 2024-25. The recent call-up of teenager Sam Konstas as opener on Boxing Day 2024 represented another gamble, though the overall record suggests such risks more often succeed than fail.

How it is being reported

• Aussie selectors prove they again have the golden touchAustralia's selectors have made more than a few head-scratching calls in recent years, but Durban was another example of how they've paid dividends most times.The West Australian · 15 Oct, 00:02
• Aussie selectors prove they again have the golden touchAustralia's selectors have made more than a few head-scratching calls in recent years, but Durban was another example of how they've paid dividends most times.Perth Now · 15 Oct, 00:02

In this story: Australia · South Africa · George Bailey · Nic Maddinson · Pat Cummins · Nathan Lyon

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