Former players question Australia's rotation policy

MELBOURNE: Former Australian players have questioned the selection panel's decision to rest skipper Ricky Ponting and then hurriedly bring him back in the squad for the third ODI against New Zealand, terming it 'confusing'.
Former Test selector John Benaud, who oversaw the revival of Australian cricket under Allan Border, feels the present panel -- chairman Andrew Hilditch, David Boon, Jamie Cox and Merv Hughes -- is confused.
"I can understand why they rested (Ponting) in the first place because mentally he was probably showing some signs of wear and tear," Benaud was quoted as saying in the Sunday Telegraph.
"But the fact he wants to come back sort of defies the logic of resting him in the first place. It seems to me that nobody knows what's going on and confusion reigns," he added.
Retired pacer Michael Kasprowicz also questioned the rotation policy and said it is never easy for a player to warm the bench when his team is battling in the middle.
"As a player, the whole rotation thing was always hard. I always thought it was pretty tough sitting on your backside and giving someone else an opportunity," Kasprowicz said.
"If you were on the fringe of the team, like I was for many years, you wanted that chance to show what you could do. It's hard to find form in the stands. At the moment, you definitely need Ricky (Ponting) on deck," Kasprowicz added.
Kasprowicz also backed Ponting's decision to return to the team in the third ODI, terming it as a "good move".
"It's a good move. If he doesn't feel like he needs a rest then I don't see the need to force him," he said.
"It's a testing time for the Australian team at the moment and what better thing than the captain wanting to lead the way."
Former Test wicketkeeper Steve Rixon, who coached New Zealand from 1996-99, felt Ponting should never have been rested.
"Ricky should never have been rested. He's been the mainstay for a lot of years. He's one of the best batsmen in the world, so why would you not want him in your side at all costs?" Rixon said.