Warne’s guru Jenner calls for McGain’s inclusion in Cape Town Test
Sydney, Mar. 17: Spin doctor Terry Jenner has appealed to Australia''s national cricket selectors to include Victorian leg spinner Bryce McGain in the squad for the Cape Town Test, though the latter doesn’t expect to play.
"I can''t see any point in not playing him. It wouldn''t make sense to not at least find out about him. If he can''t get a game when Australia is 2-0 up in the series, then they are not going to play him in England,” Jenner said.
“Without being silly, McDonald is a bits-and-pieces cricketer but Bryce McGain bowls leg-breaks for a living,” he added.
Asked if the final Test was the ideal time to unveil McGain, 36, Chief Selector Andrew Hilditch said: “I think we will definitely be looking at that.
“We are expecting Cape Town to be quite useful for spinners so McGain will definitely be considered for Cape Town. The conditions, as they did last time, have suited spin bowlers. There is no doubt about that," he added.
Hilditch said the decision not to call on McGain this series had been related purely to conditions.
Jenner fears another snub may shatter McGain''s confidence and he doesn''t want him to end up as damaged goods, like New South Wales Beau Casson.
“We are looking towards England now we have settled the No. 1 spot against South Africa. If a spin bowler feels like no one believes in him it makes it tough. We have to take a risk. In my view, Bryce should be given some opportunity even if it is to show he is not quite as good as people thought - I don''t think that is the case, though. He is not Shane Warne but he is a good option," said Jenner.