Former Australia captain Ian Chappell says a batter like Keegan Petersen should have earned Test selection earlier in his career.

In a column for ESPN Cricinfo, Chappell urged cricket to start valuing selectors more highly than coaches, and cited Petersen as an example.

The Proteas No 3 was the top run-scorer in the recent Test series against India, with 276 at an average of 46.

In the decider at Newlands, he made a crucial 82 as South Africa chased down 212 to win the Test and the series.

“Petersen’s sudden rise to fame has been a revelation and raises the question of where he has been all this while,” wrote Chappell. “This example exposes one of the mysteries of Test cricket: do some selectors know what they should be looking for?

“Petersen is in his prime, at 28, but he has only played five Tests. Despite lacking experience, he has all the requirements of a Test No 3, including a wide range of shots that he is prepared to play, plus a solid defence. So why is he only playing now?

“Sometimes players deserve an opportunity on potential and temperament alone and this is where good selection stands out.”

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