Ex-Test bowler accusers selectors of overthinking squad, pushes for Maxwell call-up

Former Test paceman Doug Bollinger has accused national selectors of overthinking the squad to face Pakistan in the first Test in Perth.

One selection that caused headlines was the decision to stick with David Warner at the top of the order.

With the veteran making the side for this match, it’s expected he’ll get his wish to play three more games before retiring from the format in the Sydney Test.

After that, selectors will have a dilemma on their hands and Bollinger doesn’t think they should shuffle the batting order around to fit in another all-rounder.

Instead, he thinks WA’s Cameron Bancroft deserves a go simply because he’s been the in-form opener in the Sheffield Shield across the last two seasons.

“I think all those names are great, but I think everyone's overthinking it, aren't they?” Bollinger asked on SEN 1170 Mornings.

“They're picking so many batters they think they open. Why don't they just pick the bloke that's getting the most runs?

“Yeah (that’s Bancroft), basically. That (picking who is making runs at Shield level) has worked in the past mate.”

On top of pushing for a Bancroft recall later this summer, he wondered why Glenn Maxwell couldn’t get a look-in for the 14-man first Test squad.

After a dominant World Cup campaign batting at number six and bowling spin, Bollinger couldn’t figure out why the Victorian wasn’t given a crack in the longer format to start the summer.

“I even said to a few people, why wouldn't they pick ‘Maxi’ in the Test squad the way he's batting?” Bollinger said.

“He's played Test cricket before. In Australian conditions, it’d be interesting.

“Who cares (where you put him), put everyone up the order.

“I like thinking outside the square like that mate. I said to pick Scott Boland a few years ago and I got called a moron.

“I think just in the background you’ve got to pick who's getting runs, who's getting wickets.”

The first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth begins on December 14.