I have seen concerns about Merlo crowding out Harper as well (this game or next).
Merlo has a pretty good list A record, but his domestic T20 record is very poor:
15 matches (11 innings)
High score of 15
Aggregate of 54 runs
Average of 6
Strike rate of under a run a ball
Bowled in 4 innings
0 wickets taken
Economy rate of 8.4
I can’t see any reason why he would be selected … but equally it’s hard to see why he would even be in the squad, based on those numbers.
Maybe they think he can replicate his list A performances (average or 24 with the bat, nearly a wicket per game).
As bad as Harper was last season, and as frustrating as he can be to own, his numbers before last season were pretty good.
Still struggling to understand how Merlo got 6 games last season and what his actual role was.
$ 58,5 DPP could be a handy link with Curran , Stoinis , Webster moving forward.
Think they have a good 🍩 fixture after Round 3
I always thought Harper tried too hard to get a IPL contract.
Too many fancy shots getting a quick 20-30 but then got out.
Stay still at the crease , bat sensible and the outcome might be different.
Don't need to try these scoops , flicks etc etc
Last season he seemed to be the only WK that couldn't get involved in dismissals.
Disclaimer : if he is in the starting XI tonight I will pick him and see what happens