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Test legends call for Aussie youth policy

3 minute read

Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the first tied Test, Alan Davidson and Neil Harvey are urging Australian selectors to give youth a go.

Cricket legend Alan Davidson expects Australian young gun Cameron Green to make his mark as an all-rounder in his mid 20s, just as he did through his stellar career.

Green, 21, is in the hunt for a Test cap against India after impressing for Australia A with an unbeaten century, while he has also demonstrated his talent with the ball.

Davidson was speaking on the 60th anniversary of the tied Test between Australia and the West Indies in Brisbane - one of the most celebrated matches in history and one of only two tied Tests.

He was joined on a zoom call by former teammate Neil Harvey as well as West Indians Lance Gibbs and Peter Lashley.

During the match Davidson became the first player to score a century and take 10 wickets in the same Test, a record only matched by three other players since.

Davidson, 91, says Green will continue to improve playing alongside Australia's best bowlers and batters.

"It takes time, I was never an allrounder in the real sense until my mid-20s," Davidson said on Tuesday.

"I was lucky enough to play under some wonderful bowlers like Ray Lindwall, Keith Miller and Bill Johnston who were always happy to pass on some hints.

"Ray Lindwall said to me one day, 'don't be afraid to be yourself', and I think that's one of the big things with batting, the confidence in your ability.

"If it takes you two to three years, that's OK, but in those two to three years you're accumulating knowledge."

Having made his Test debut as a 19-year-old back in 1948, Harvey said age shouldn't be a deterrent for selectors naming Green and Will Pucovksi.

Pending his recovery from another concussion, Pucovksi is tipped to replace opener David Warner, who withdrew from the first Test in Adelaide with a groin injury.

"If I can do it, anybody can do it - I can't say you can start young enough," Harvey said.

"If they've got the ability, pick them, it's as simple as that."

Harvey believed the tied Test did more for the game in Australia than any other.

Needing 233 to win, Australia looked down and out at 6-92 before Davidson, playing with a broken finger, and captain Richie Benaud rallied in a 134-run stand.

Australia needed six runs from the final over with three wickets in hand but Benaud was caught and the last two players fell to run outs while attempting the winning run.

"I don't think a series has done so much for the game in this country as that series did," Harvey said.

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