Peter Nevill misses out on Ashes selection

As Ashes selection rumours reach fever point, the sight of Peter Nevill returning to NSW is clear indication he’s missed out.

Peter Nevill playing in the JLT Sheffield Shield on Tuesday. Picture: AAP.

Peter Nevill was assumed to have the Ashes keeping position but the sight of him returning to NSW from Queensland today is clear indication he has missed out.

Matthew Renshaw is also believed to have been tapped on the shoulder and won’t play at home.

Selection rumours were reaching fever point on Thursday night after the panel met the night before.

The Nevill move has shocked observers and sparked speculation Tim Paine may be recalled after a six year absence.

Shaun Marsh is rumoured to be about to return to the side despite being axed from the contract list a few months back.

Late last year Paine was considering leaving Tasmania because he was struggling to get into the side. He stayed despite the incumbent Test keeper Matthew Wade joining this season but is yet to pull on the gloves for his state.

Wade could have held his own in the team, but few believe he has. Paine appears to have been on the first class scene forever but at 32 is the same age as Nevill.

He was captain and keeper in the Cricket Australia XI match against England, making a half century and repeated that effort with an undefeated 71 in the second innings of the most recent Shield game.

The only way Cameron Bancroft could have been left out of the side to be announced this morning is if he retired from cricket yesterday to take up a lawn mowing franchise.

Key incumbents aside, nobody deserves their place more.

A 76no and 86 against the Test attack in the second round of the Shield was followed by a massive 228no against South Australia in the round just completed.

Bancroft scored a double century in the last round of the County season as well.

The selectors said ‘make runs and you will get picked’. He did and he will be or the selection panel will be dragged before the People’s Selection Committee and forced to answer some difficult questions.