Warne slams CA’s rotation policy

Sydney: Legendary leg spinner Shane Warne has joined the likes of former Australian players Brett Lee, Ian Chappell and Michael Slater in slamming selectors’ rotation policy, branding it as mind-boggling and ridiculous. Warne has blasted Cricket Australia`s (CA) for refusing to allow recovering pace man James Pattinson to play for the Melbourne Stars in Wednesday’s Big Bash semi-final against the Perth Scorchers, yet he was cleared to play Victorian grade cricket last weekend, the Herald Sun reports. Pattinson took 2-21 from eight overs for Dandenong against St Kilda on Saturday and was keen to play for the Stars as he continues his recovery from a side strain suffered during the Test series against South Africa in late November.

Warne said selectors’ ridiculous decision to not allow Pattinson play in the BBL semifinal was not a decision made by any cricketing mind, adding that anyone with half a brain or common sense will know that playing a match against a good opposition where you get four overs is actually better for you than playing eight overs of grade cricket. Warne said he was aware of the injuries to various players, but claimed that it looks like strength and conditioning is picking the team, not the selectors. The spin king said according to him only a captain should be allowed to pick the playing eleven in conjunction (with) the selectors to try and get the best team out on the park for Australia. ANI