Ok - he's 26 and debuted in t20 at 22 so maybe thats where I'm getting him from. Does Pant help? Age 21 and as a wk - I'm sure being Indian he was chosen as the best bat/wk available rather than the other way around. Agree about comparing to Iyer but thats where you need someone to take an opportunity.
I sort of get it @ Shield. I also get that the pitches in Shield are either roads or spicy - so think 40 - 45 averages may mean a bit more. To me, I'd pick young uns on technique rather than temperament. No obvious flaws, but flash out to something stupid every so often is better than watching Head hang the bat outside off with no footwork and expect great outcomes. I also wouldn't pick Pucovski as he cannot play the short stuff - full stop. When (not if) he gets lidded in a big game, he's gone for the series. Sorry, not saying he has to hook the crap out of everything but if Waugh can play a career against the windies without a hook or pull, the template is already there.
TBF, since T20 became like watching an ad on tele (as in every 5 mins its on), not riding results like I did when playing and coaching. Just like the idea of you come off a good shield season, you're in form, you're young you get a shot if there's no one else nailing down the spot. Ward and Hunt (Hunt for 2 years) have done that. And you never know, one of these may just go up another level at Tests and be there for the next 15 years.
Also here what
@wendog33 is saying about ashes but tbf, thats all media. Reckon you cop a harder time on the field from the saffers than the poms.