In my opinion there is too much talking down of players who haven't really had a decent go without accepting that there are some in the team already who have constantly under performed are clearly no longer up to it.
We have to make changes and sometimes that means you give guys an opportunity when they are not kicking the door down for selection. The selectors should know who they think can develop into a long term test player. That's the art of selection, not always picking the highest run scorers or wicket taker. They also need to take some responsibility for the lack of succession planning in terms of leadership.
As for Paine, I think it's time for a change and the South African series is a perfect opportunity. If Cummins is the next best option then give him a go. Paine got an opportunity when he didn't deserve it so whose to say Cummins couldn't do it.
Given his influence I think it's about time Langer made some tough calls and stopped accepting mediocrity. He is starting to look like the biggest weakness with this Test team.
I think the lack of Shield Cricket is a cop out personally. No doubt it contributes but there was plenty else that went wrong that had nothing to do with the Shield.
But then you look at Joe Burns. Couldn’t make a run at any level yet they backed him in on his past record and to no one’s surprise outside the selectors, he failed abysmally. Sometimes you do have to consider that someone is in terrible form, completely lacking confidence and they shouldn’t be selected.





