The Ashes 2017-18: Michael Slater wants ‘record holder’ Peter Nevill to replace Matthew Wade

Following Matthew Wade’s struggle with form, former Australia cricketer Michael Slater wants Peter Nevill in the national team as the wicketkeeper-batsman for the Ashes 2017-18. While Wade has recently wasted his chances, failing to contribute with bat as well as not being too efficient behind the stumps, Nevill’s form for New South Wales supports Slater’s call. Wade’s spot is not only in danger because of Nevill, but also another competitor, South Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, both of whom have been impressive in the recent domestic season. READ: Glenn Maxwell close to breaking his run drought ahead of The Ashes 2017-18, opines Finch

“I think we go back to the guy who’s (the best)gloveman,” Slater told Sports Sunday. “I read some quotes from Ian Healy. Now he knows a little bit about ‘keeping and he said ‘let’s go for the gloveman, let’s not make excuses for the top six batters doing the job and expect the ‘keeper to do what Gilchrist did’.”

Slater also compared Australia’s hunt for the next Adam Gilchrist with that of searching for the next Shane Warne that Australia have faced earlier.

“It’s like looking for another Warnie – you don’t find them. Get the guy who can take all (the catches). (Nevill) averaged over 50 for NSW last year. There’s nothing wrong with his batting. He might not be an aggressor but he does a fantastic job. He might not talk as much as Wade but I’m not sure the talk from Wade is appealing to some of his teammates.”

Record holder

Nevill also made his claims for spot in the national team strong after he equalled List A record for a wicketkeeper, being associated with eight dismissals as New South Wales defeated Cricket Australia XI by 93-runs.

Nevill’s equalised Somerset’s Derek Taylor (1982), Steve Palframan(1997-98),James Piper (2001) for Worcestershire. He has also eclipsed the Australian record of six held by Ryan Campbell (thrice), Wade Seccombe, Brad Haddin and Adam Gilchrist.

“I didn’t realise that was the case but that’s more of a reflection of the bowling than the wicketekeeping,” Nevill, who prefers not to sledge as much as traditional wicketkeepers, said after the record-breaking stint.

NicMaddinson, whose ton sealed New South Wales’ victory, praised his fellow teammate for his efforts.

“He’s been keeping really well. He’s put in a lot of work especially over our off-season and pre-season so it’s no surprise. I think he’s back to the standard he expects,” the centurion said about Nevill.