Date:14/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/14/stories/2008091456311700.htm

Sport - Cricket

Stuart MacGill expresses sympathy with Beau Casson

Melbourne: Former Australian spinner Stuart MacGill has expressed his sympathy with Beau Casson and feels the young leg-spinner was a victim of Australian selectors long-held assumption that finger spinners are better suited for Indian pitches than wrist spinners.

Casson, the only centrally contracted spinner, was on Friday axed from the Australian squad for the upcoming India tour and drafted in veteran off-spinner Bryce McGain to lead the spin attack.

The 36-year-old McGain will be supported by another rookie finger spinner Jason Krejza. However, MacGill, who himself was controversially omitted from Australia’s last India tour, believes that Casson has the potential to lead Australia’s spin attack in the future.

“I probably suffered in a very similar way. I am uncomfortable with the general assumption that offies are better suited than leggies in India,” MacGill was quoted as saying in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Frustrating

“It was frustrating for me, because I never found out how I would go, and I assume it’s the same for Beau now, ” he added.

Casson’s coach in the New South Wales team, Matthew Mott also ridiculed the selection.

“It’s a very hard pill to swallow. He would be inhuman if he wasn’t upset,” said Mott.

MacGill, however, expressed his happiness over MacGain and Krejza’s selection. — PTI