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Sayers calls Hohns after exclusion from SA tour

Cape Town - South Australia swing bowler Chadd Sayers has admitted to calling chairperson of selectors Trevor Hohns after being left out of the tour to South Africa.

READ: Aussies name squad for Test series in SA

Sayers might be considered to be in the top five pacemen in Australia based on his Sheffield Shield form over the last few seasons but selectors opted to pick Jhye Richardson instead.

The South Australian was included in the Ashes squads for the first two Tests of the series but was thereafter deemed surplus to requirements.

Sayers told 5AA: "I guess that's one of the disappointing things, that I haven’t had a phone call to actually find out why I was left out.

"It would be nice to know. I found out on social media so I guess that’s one of the disappointing things.

"Not being in the touring party and being dropped from the squad, I was involved in The Ashes, was also disappointing but not to have had a chance to find out why is hard to take.

"I have tried to call him (Hohns).

"Hopefully he gets back to me and I can have a chat to him and can get some clarity on how Jhye Richardson, who has only played five Shield games, was picked ahead of me.

"I'd like to know where I stand in Cricket Australia's eyes and where I can get in their side. It's quite hard to take at the moment. I'm just disappointed and just want some clarity."

Sayers felt confident that he could do well in South Africa with three of the four Tests taking place on the coast.

"I thought South Africa would have been perfect for my bowling with the conditions over there," he said.

"You watch Vernon Philander go about his business as he does, he takes a lot of wickets in South African conditions.

"Being a realist, the big three are always going to play if they're fit."

Sayers wished Richardson well on his maiden tour indicating that he does not begrudge him a first tour for Australia. 

"I guess it's exciting for Jhye Richardson to get his shot," he said.

"To not be touring with that squad and for a young kid to come in, I'm back in the pecking order now.

"You can be disappointed, but you can't whinge. It's not Jhye Richardson's fault for getting picked, it's exciting for him to be involved in the Australian system and he'll love his first tour," he added.

"I'll be going back to training, trying to get better every day and keep performing."

SA v Australia tour Test fixtures: 

1st Test Kingsmead, Durban, March 1-5

2nd Test St George's Park, Port Elizabeth, March 9-13

3rd Test Newlands, Cape Town, March 22-26

4th Test Wanderers, Johannesburg, March 30-April 3

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