FORMER Test quick Rodney Hogg says Australia’s selectors are “under the pump” but they might have pulled the right rein by resting James Pattinson from the first Test against New Zealand.
Hogg says injury-plagued paceman Pattinson’s career has been handled “very, very poorly”.
“Now we’re starting to show signs of handling them (well),” Hogg told the Herald Sun.
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“I’m going to put faith in selectors. They’ve felt Pattinson won’t get through the Test match.
“They’ve given Jackson Bird a chance because he has an outswinger the same as Pattinson.
“The selectors are a bit under the pump so hopefully Bird doesn’t let them down.”
Cricket Australia’s decision to pull Pattinson out mid-way through Victoria’s Sheffield Shield game against Tasmania at the MCG was a curious one.
Pattinson headed to New Zealand last weekend having bowled just 39.3 overs since the Boxing Day Test and with a question mark over his fitness after being forced to rest for several weeks in January because of shin soreness.
That doubt remains, with Test skipper Steve Smith announcing that selectors weren’t confident about Pattinson’s fitness.
“That’s an interesting one. You sort of think you wouldn’t take them if you’re not sure they’re going to get through a game, wouldn’t you?,” Hogg said.
“Pattinson won’t be happy. He has worked really hard to get back into the side for about the fourth time.
“I don’t mind the call from the selectors. If they feel he’s not quite cherry ripe then good.”