Australian selector Trevor Hohns has turned the tables on overlooked seamer Chadd Sayers, insisting he wasn't owed a telephone call over his non-selection for the South African Test series.
Instead, the chairman of selectors suggested he was disappointed with the way the South Australian quick had handled the matter in the media without first waiting for an explanation through a returned phone call.
Sayers revealed in a live radio interview shortly after the squad announcement last week he was seeking clarity from Hohns' over his omission, and admitted he was frustrated he hadn't received a telephone call before the squad was named.
But Hohns said if he had his time over, he still wouldn't have contacted the Sheffield Shield's leading wicket-taker over the past 18 months given he wasn't a part of the Ashes squad for the final three Tests.
"Our communication lines are quite stringent," he told SEN.
"We ring players who are in the side and we ring players who are dropped out of the previous side.
"So I don't think that's necessary at all. And everyone knows that is the situation and that's how it works.
"Every player around the country knows if they feel aggrieved or want some feedback it's open-line of communication and we even encourage state coaches to encourage their players to ring me directly."
Hohns flew straight to Adelaide from the squad announcement in Sydney last Monday, at which point Sayers contacted the selectors while he was in the air.
Hohns said he then arranged to speak to with Sayers the following morning, where the quick's public comments were also discussed.
"I've raised that issue with Chadd," Hohns said.
"Unfortunately the interview occurred shortly after the team was announced and before he had the chance to speak to me.
"Most players know these days I don't mind if they have a gripe and they're interviewed and what have you, but at least talk to me first or at least wait until I've spoken to them if they have a problem."
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