ASHES BERTH FAR FROM VOGES MIND

Adam Voges has dismissed claims he could be one of the candidates to play a part in the Ashes starting next month. The Western Australian was backed by former Australian leg spinner, Stuart MacGill recently while discussing the ongoing ODI series against India in an online discussion. 

MacGill speaking alongside former ABC grandstand cricket commentator, Glenn Mitchell was asked about the players he believed would have a significant impact in the ODI series to which he replied

"I would like to see some fringe Australian players push for test honours. I think someone like Adam Voges will look really good in the middle order for Australia in the Test matches. "I really really want Adam Voges to do big things and I think he should be playing the first test"

Since the start of the India series, Bailey has firmed as the likely candidate to bat at number six given his outstanding form in India. But with selectors stating the Indian ODI series to be a benchmark for selection, Voges calm and mature innings of 73 not out in the 3^rd ODI would not have escaped the selectors minds either. 

Voges ODI figures are nearly as impressive as Bailey’s averaging 48 in his 28 matches for Australia and his first class average is higher than Bailey.

MacGill also believed Voges ability to bowl will also hold him in good shape. “He can bowl a little bit of left arm spin. I have my fingers crossed he can do some things and be part of the test team”.

Despite MacGill’ push for Voges to be Australia’s number six for the first test, Voges stated to the press the Ashes was an unrealistic goal.

No, not really to be honest, I haven’t played any red ball cricket for couple of months now and my focus is to play only ODI cricket as I can and play each game as the best as i possible can and at the end of the ODI, we get to play a bit of shield cricket and I will see what can happen from there”

One of the aspects that are likely to be held against Voges is that he is already 34 years of age. But as Chris Rogers has shown, age is simply a number.  With still 4 matches to be played in India and couple of shield matches Voges could well be a surprise selection in couple of week’s time.