GUN all-rounder Scott Johnson says he was happy to stand aside last weekend and play in Golden Square's second XI, citing team balance among the reasons.
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Johnson is Golden Square's leading first XI wicket-taker (12) and run-scorer (273) in the Bendigo District Cricket Association.
But in a selection shock that was one of the major talking points out of last weekend's start to round seven, Johnson played in the seconds against Bendigo, scoring 138 n.o. in Square's mammoth score of 3-406.
"We had some team balance issues and it was a fairly easy decision in the end," Johnson said on Wednesday.
"Playing at North Bendigo we wanted to bring in an extra seamer.
"We brought in Scott Woodman, but that would have meant Jayden Burke or Jamie Bysouth would have missed out, and neither have done much wrong, so I was happy to stand down and give those guys a go."
Johnson - one of only two players to have won the BDCA Cricketer of the Year three times - says his omission will give spinner Jamie Bysouth more opportunity with the ball this week, while Jake Higgins has already benefited.
Higgins made 73 n.o at No.7, helping rescue Square from 7-90 to score 199.
"If I played, it may have pushed Jake down to eight or nine and he's a much better player than that," Johnson said.
"He played exactly the role we were after... batting in that top seven and batting well with the tail."
Johnson says his selection in the seconds is also a message to Square's first XI that no-one is "undropable".
