Justin Langer applauds selection policy

Justin Langer said Ricky Ponting being dropped from the ongoing tri-series proves performance is everything Getty Images

Melbourne: Feb 23, 2012

Former Australian opener Justin Langer today lauded the "perform or perish" policy adopted by national selectors, who dropped legendary Ricky Ponting after a no-show in the first half of the ongoing tri-series.

Langer said it was good to see that a selection culture has ended, that rewarded mediocrity.

"The thing about Ricky Ponting being dropped this week, if there is a positive to it, it's that the selectors are saying performance is everything," Langer said.

"Over the last couple of years, whether it's in Shield cricket or Test cricket, the competition hasn't been that strong and they have been rewarded for mediocre performances.

"The selectors have shown their hand; it doesn't matter if you're Ricky Ponting or a 21-year-old, you've got to perform. That's the system we want to get, a real cutthroat, tough system through Australian cricket," Langer was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

Langer said time has come that the youngsters need to perform just superbly to be in the side.

"The next guys have to be smashing the door down, not just knocking on the door because they've got some talent and a fancy haircut and an earring, they've got to be knocking it down.

"It might give younger players an opportunity. There will be increased pressure because the expectation of being a No.3 batsman in Australia is huge. I'm looking forward to seeing who has got the steel and the resolve and the technique and the desire to become our next high-performance player." (PTI)