Inverarity urges more from Moises

Quick Single: Recap day two of the Bupa Sheffield Shield final

On deck to witness his comeback 140 in the Bupa Sheffield Shield final, national selector John Inverarity has urged NSW Blues allrounder Moises Henriques for more of the same if he’s to become a regular Australian squad member.

Henriques brought up triple figures for just the third time in his 51st first-class outing to put the Blues in a commanding position before Josh Hazlewood dismantled the Alcohol. Think Again Western Warrriors in the final session on day two of the season finale in Canberra.

The under-achieving allrounder started the day 24 not out after surviving Jason Behrendorff’s reverse-swing rampage late on the first afternoon, bringing up his ton with a sweet cover-drive almost six-hours after he originally marked centre.

The knock impressed Inverarity who had a prime seat at Manuka Oval to watch the three-Test Henriques blossom in the nation’s captial.

“He came in when Jason Behrendorff was bowling a superb spell of reverse-swing bowling, hostile and it really was moving,” said Inverarity brimming with pride. 

“He got through a difficult beginning and he’s played very steadily with great determination. “

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has made it clear his preference of having a fifth bowler in his Test side, and that fondness saw Henriques added to the tour of South Africa when fellow allrounder James Faulkner was ruled out with injury.

The call-up is a clear indication of where Henriques sits in the Test ranks, confirmed by Inverarity.

“He’s on the margins there. This is only his third Sheffield Shield century and his second was earlier in the season and he’s played for a lot of years, Moises.”

“We’re really hoping a century earlier, a century now that he builds on that in the future and really pushes hard for Test selection and of course he’s one of those identified players as an allrounder.

“James Faulkner, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Marsh younger still, those guys who can bat and can bowl well are precious assets as we know with Shane Watson. 

“If Shane Watson’s not fit he’s difficult to replace and get the balance of the side right. So these types of guys are very important.”

Of the three allrounders named by Inverarity as possible Watson replacements, Henriques is ahead with the bat. His three first-class tons trump Marsh’s one, with Faulkner yet to reach the milestone. Henriques also has the superior average, just ahead of the Tasmanian.

On the other side of the coin Faulkner leads the way with the ball, owning 51 more scalps than the Blue and almost 100 more than the Warrior.

Faulkner’s recent heroics in the limited-overs formats, his superb drinks-carrying performances across the summer and initial selection to South Africa put him in pole position, but that doesn’t mean neither Henriques or Marsh are out of the equation. 

Watson, Faulkner and Marsh have each battled injury throughout the last six month, and if healthy Henriques could be the man to go from fringe player to full-time member.