Victorian coach Andrew McDonald says the Test selectors got it wrong axing Peter Handscomb

ANDREW McDonald says the Test selectors got it wrong axing Peter Handscomb and only a certain reprieve on Boxing Day could help explain their decision.

Peter Handscomb was dropped for the third Test. Picture: AAP Images

ANDREW McDonald says the Test selectors got it wrong axing Pete Handscomb and only a certain reprieve on Boxing Day could help explain their decision.

The “disappointed” Victorian coach was perplexed at how a batsman averaging 47 at Test level could be left carrying the drinks.

But McDonald conceded he was unsure how fatigued Australia’s three-pronged pace attack was after two Tests.

BLOG: All the action from day two at the WACA

WARNING: Fixing spotlight turns to young guns

All-rounder Mitch Marsh replaced Handscomb with his call-up designed to help manage the workloads of Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins although McDonald said with spinner Nathan Lyon sizzling he was capable of locking down one end.

Marsh delivered nine overs out of 115.1 in England’s first innings, finishing with 0-43.

McDonald said those attacking Handscomb’s unorthodox technique were too one-dimensional, lauding him as a future leader of Australia.

Greg Chappell (right) speaks with Peter Handscomb in the lead up to the third Test. Picture: AAP Images

Handscomb’s expedited climb into the Test team last summer short-circuited Melbourne Stars’ plans to groom him as their next Big Bash League captain.

It emerged Friday night that Handscomb, 26, was likely to stay in the Australian camp for the entire Ashes series.

If Cricket Australia holds onto Handscomb the Stars could look to replace him on their roster for the first half of the season, perhaps with young spinner Liam Bowe.

“I was disappointed that a good, young batter averaging 47 and who has been to the subcontinent did get left out,” McDonald said.

“They may have made a management decision, which would suggest that Petey comes straight back in for the Boxing Day Test match.

“That’s going to be the test, isn’t it? Have they dropped him as a one-off and are then going to bring him back for Melbourne.

Mitch Marsh was selected over Handscomb. Picture: Getty Images

“That would be great and would make a lot of sense, but if he gets left out of Melbourne then they’ve dropped him for other reasons.

“I’ve always said technique is something that’s repeatable to each individual and everyone’s got their own technique.”

Handscomb scored 14, 36 and 12 in his three Ashes knocks as Australia shot to a 2-0 series lead.

Victorian great Brad Hodge said he was “heartbroken” by Handscomb’s omission and McDonald said it was a “big call” by the selectors.

“Was Mitch Marsh’s bowling productive (enough) to hold up a place in the top-six as a batter?” McDonald said.

“We were very disappointed that a player of his quality and being the age he is and with the potential leadership he can offer the Australian team long-term that he was dropped averaging 47.

Peter Handscomb takes a ripper catch in the third Test. Picture: AAP Images

“I think they could’ve easily kept Pete and gone with three quicks and one spinner, because Nathan Lyon now can hold up an end and do it all.

“Having a spinner who can lock up one end I think you can rotate your quicks from the other end.

“You think back to Shane Warne days went in with three quicks. I don’t know where the quicks bodies are at.”

Handscomb took a brilliant catch to remove Dawid Malan (140) on Friday.

Marsh put down a sitter at first slip, Handscomb’s primary fielding position, on Thursday.