England's contentious team selection for the upcoming Prime Minister's XI match has found a powerful supporter in former Test great Alec Stewart, despite widespread criticism of the tourists' approach following their heavy defeat in Perth.
Backing the Inner Sanctum
The decision to send just three Ashes squad members - and none from the team that suffered a comprehensive defeat inside two days at the hands of Australia last week - to face the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra has been met with significant disapproval from cricket pundits.
However, Stewart, who played 133 Tests for England across four Ashes tours, has thrown his weight behind the team management's controversial call. The former wicketkeeper argued that the reaction would be entirely different if England had emerged victorious in the first match.
"If we'd won in two days, which everyone thought we'd do come lunch time on day two, would anyone be saying 'should they be going to Canberra'?" Stewart posed during his interview with the BBC.
Sticking to Their Guns
Stewart emphasised the importance of the team management trusting their instincts and maintaining their planned approach, despite external pressure. He praised the leadership for making decisions based on what they believe is right for the group rather than reacting to public opinion.
"When you're in the inner sanctum, stick to your guns, talk about it, be flexible, be adaptable, but still make the decision that you believe is right for the group and not what the outside world is perhaps thinking," Stewart advised.
The cricket veteran highlighted the disconnect between external perceptions and the reality within the camp, noting that team management has the best understanding of player needs and dressing room dynamics.
Avoiding the 'Naughty Boys Net'
Stewart identified a significant risk in sending out-of-form players to the Canberra match, describing it as creating a "Naughty Boys Net Syndrome" that he believes never produces positive results.
This stance puts him at odds with other experts, including former Australian Test captain Kim Hughes, who told The West Australian that the entire English side should play in Canberra to gain valuable match practice.
Stewart countered this argument by emphasising the importance of team unity, particularly following a defeat. "It's never been on their schedule, to go up there. You've got to be flexible ... but they probably want to keep the group together. I always say you win together, you lose together," he explained.
The former England captain stressed that how the team responds to adversity will define their character. "When you do lose - and I always judge people in adversity - it's 'how are they going to bounce back'. If they're a tight group and they're looking out for each other and they know how to practice and train preparing for Brisbane, let them do it."
Instead of participating in the tour match, key players including Joe Root and Ben Stokes will remain with the main squad, focusing on net sessions and team preparation ahead of the crucial Brisbane Test.
