Spin mentor Jenner warns of using Bailey as next Warne

Sydney, May 2 (UNI) Bowling legend Shane Warne's mentor Terry Jenner said it could be 'devastating' if his ward, the 22-year-old newly contracted leg-spinner Cullen Bailey, is thrust into the Australian side.

Jenner has coached both bowlers and he also knows the damage of following a high-profile performer after playing in the footsteps of Richie Benaud.

''I think it would be devastating for a young player to follow Warne straight in, and the reputation and aura and records that come with that,'' Jenner said.

''Stuey (MacGill) has a very important job now. I do believe that Bailey has the ability and the work ethic to be a successful Test bowler, but he needs to be given a chance to develop,'' Jenner told Sydney Morning Herald.

The new faces to make the cut among contracted players include Cullen Bailey, Chris Rogers and Ben Hilfenhaus.

While announcing the contracts list, NSP Chairman Andrew Hilditch had said, ''The retirement of Shane is a significant issue for Australian cricket.'' ''While he is obviously irreplaceable we are pleased that we have experienced spinners in Stuart MacGill, who has a great Test record, and Brad Hogg, who has just finished a highly successful World Cup,'' Hilditch said.

Bailey's inclusion was the major surprise in CA's 25-member contracted list for the 2007-08 season. At just 22, and with only a modest first-class record, the South Australian was one of four wrist-spinners named, alongside the more seasoned Stuart MacGill, Brad Hogg and Cameron White.

Jenner said it would hinder Bailey's development if he is forced into the side straight after the legendary Shane Warne.

However, Jenner believes Bailey, the young Redbacks leg-spinner has all the traits to be successful at international level in years to come, describing him as a ''less prodigious spinner than Warne, with an action similar to Richie Benaud's.'' And the highly decorated spin coach is adamant his understudy is well equipped in other areas - analytical and with strong religious beliefs that would enhance his focus and work ethic.

Bailey, who is 22 and on honeymoon in Malaysia, has appeared in only 17 first-class games, taking 54 wickets at 41.51.

''(Bailey) has put together a couple of solid seasons now,'' Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch justified, adding ''Sometimes these things happen quickly.'' MacGill is the front-runner to replace Warne in the Test team - he took 39 Pura Cup wickets at 35.43 last season - although Brad Hogg's chances have improved after his World Cup.

Meanwhile, David Gilbert, the New South Wales chief executive, was disgusted after Simon Katich, the state captain, did not retain his place on the list.

''Katich continues to be one of the best-performed batsmen in Australian first-class and one-day cricket and his sacking beggars belief,'' he said.

''With the retirements of Justin Langer and Damien Martyn, his sacking is even more bewildering and seriously questions the credibility of the selection process,'' he said.

Greg Shipperd, the Victoria coach, was also upset the allrounder Andrew McDonald and David Hussey missed out.

''We're a bit stiff but that's what selection is all about,'' he said in The Age. ''We were banking on three and hoping on four, but in the end, we only got two [Brad Hodge and Cameron White].

McDonald's desperately unlucky in the sense that he had a fantastic season in all three forms of the game and must have been perilously close,'' he said.

UNI