The margin of victory in the fourth ODI match between Australia and South Africa was so overwhelming in favour of the tourists that it is obvious Cricket Australia has to stop its complacent attitude to the performances of everyone involved with the ODI side and start making some hard decisions.
One of the radio commentators called the South African victory a “shellacking” for Australia. This is hardly an exaggeration. Australia lost all its wickets scoring 222 runs. The South Africans lost two wickets and needed only 38.1 overs to score its winning total of 223.
Aside from Ricky Ponting, not one Australian player on the day looked much more than a good player. Ponting, who had some luck with an LBW decision and a caught behind, both of which were surprisingly given not out, batted splendidly.
He scored his 63 runs in 70 balls and looked every inch the great batsman he is.
But his captaincy is just not up to scratch.
Once again he did not have a clue when to use the batting power-play with effect. He should have used it when himself and Michael Hussey had established some sort of dominance. Instead, he left it until the end, once again, when Australia had only two wickets in hand, and when none of the batsmen were noted hitters.
On the South African tour, Michael Clark has to be upgraded from the captaincy of the Twenty/20 side to the ODI side as well. This will enable Ponting to concentrate on his batting in the ODI matches, which might give him a chance to work out better tactics for the Tests.
The youngsters at the top of the order, David Warner and Shaun Marsh, probably deserve to be perservered with, although I believe that it is time to bring the NSW prodigy Phillip Hughes into the Australian sides in every form of the game.
The striking thing about Hughes is that he is a run machine. In the Twenty/20 final against Victoria last weekend he blasted 40 to give NSW a great chance of snatching its victory.
How Cameron White stays in the ODI side remains a mystery.
After talking up White’s bowling, Ponting then proceeded not to bowl him at all. White is not a good enough batsman to be played solely as a hitter. Marcus North has credentials that keep on being over-looked.
Someone like Simon Katich even might be a better choice as a batting and spin-bowling all-rounder.
Shane Watson will be rushed back, or should be, as soon as he is available. Watson, remarkably, is the last Australian to have score a century in a ODI match.
Some time ago I expressed the view that Brad Haddin might not be the answer to the long term successor of Adam Gilchrist, not that this truly great player will ever be replaced.
Haddin threw his wicket away at Adelaide with a shot that suggested a lack of the steely determination an Australian wicket-keeper/batsmen needs to have.
Early on this season, too, I expressed amazement that Cricket Australia renewed the contract of the Australian coach, Tim Nielsen, well in advance of when the contract was due for renewal.
Cricket Australia said it was happy with the way Nielsen had performed his duties. I argued at the time that this was nonsense. The Adelaide debacle suggests that Cricket Australia needs to front up to the Australian public and explain exactly why it took such an uninformed decision.
Now we come to the selectors.
In my view, they lack any sort of insight into how to shape a side. They have differed about with their spinners. They have continued to pick players as all-rounders whose bowling (White and David Hussey) is not up to the standard required in ODI play.
But most importantly, they have not been able to work out that ODI cricket and Tests sometimes require different skills from players, and that some players can play both forms of the game and some only one form of the game.
The South Africans have mastered Australia this summer because they won the contests of selection and tactics. South Africa has won the battle, in other words, before the contestants have taken the field.
So the mantra after Adelaide, where South Africa has won its first ODI victory ever at the ground, is this: a new team, new selectors, new coach and a new captain are needed for the Australian ODI team.
Immediately.
I thought I was a footy nut...
Guest
Getting back to the initial article, the selectors have to go, their inability to make tough decisions has been revealed time and time again. Hayden sticking around is one example, not sticking with any one spin bowler for more than 1/2 tests (I say this is a soft decision because if any player needs some time to grow in a side, it is a spin bowler) is another, then there is the lack of communication to fringe players like Bracken (tests) and Hodge about where they can improve or why they have not made a specific team. As sheek alluded to, just because Merv and Boony have mo's doesn't mean they have the wisdom required to be selectors. Furthermore, as a batsman Ricky Ponting's value cannot be questioned, as a leader (in terms of leading by example) once again, hard to argue, but as a tactician, he has been found wanting on many occasions. As an example, when the Saffers left their batting powerplay really late in the first game of the ODI series, then ended up winning the game. Ponting then did this in the 2nd game, despite the fact that the momentum had deserted them, but he simply saw a good idea by Johan Botha, then tried to copy it. This I feel is the complexity of his decision-making. Blair
Michael C
Guest
Problem with S.Marsh - - - he's not 'going on with it' anywhere at the moment. He seems to have a big innings mental block?? Reality is in a ODI, the fellow who consumes 30 overs and get's 60 or 70, is the fellow who really needs to go on with it. Marsh is consistantly getting to that stage......and getting out. Big ask I know, he's only new to it, and it shouldn't be contingent on he controlling the innings, but, without an in form M.Hussey, with M.Clarke and A.Symonds (their 'experience') unavailable - - - too much is left to R.Ponting, and Sth Africa know it. It's very hard for the lower order bashers - when, they are exposed at the 30-40 over mark rather than say in the 43rd/44th over time frame where they can block 1 and start teeing off like in a 20/20.
Green n Gold 2010
Guest
Batting lineup (suggestion): 1Haddin 2Marsh 3Ponting 4Clarke/D.Hussey/Hodge 5Hodge/M.Hussey 6Warner 7Hopes 8White 9Bracken 10Tait 11Clark
sheek
Guest
We've discussed the selectors ad nauseum, haven't we. Merv & Boonie are great guys to have around a BBQ, swilling beers, telling tales & taking the mickey out of everyone. But do they possess the wisdom to pull Australia out of its malaise? Hilditch & Cox, more difficult to tell. Both were fine technicians - journeyman - for Australia cricket. But not possessing that extra brilliance. Could it be the same with their selection style? Ditto Tim Neilson, a competent gloveman & wonderful team player for SA. As national coach, does he have that ability to think outside the square? Ricky Ponting has been caught out lacking imagination & daring. Back in 2006-07, he had Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist, Langer, Hayden & Martyn, who are all now gone. He had class & experience to pull the team out of the jam. He really didn't need to think too much about his cricket - it just happened. Not any more! Life is a cycle of birth, decay & rebirth. To appreciate the next golden era, we need to experience some short-term pain - That's life! Of course, the trick is always to make the 'uppers' run as long as possible, & the 'downers' run as short as possible. This is where the "clever" people - of human insight & wordly prescience - come in very handy. People like Robbie Deans, for example. Or Lawrie Sawle, for a cricket example.
Ben J
Guest
Spiro This Australian squad is probably the most "unknown" outside of Australia for a long time. I am also not sure on what you base your assertion that only Dale Steyn and maybe Kallis would be selected from the current players available. Are you saying that JP Duminy(ODI ranking 37) will not be selected ahead of David Hussey(ODI ranking 86)? David Warner ahead of Herschelle Gibbs? No place for AB de Villiers? Cameron White, Ben Hilfenhaus, James Hopes and David Hussey are hardly worldbeaters at the moment and even David Warner has had only 2 innings to beat his SA counterpart. You also say that "The difference between the sides is not a talent difference in other words but a difference in tactics, strategy, preparation and captaincy." So if it is not a talent difference between the teams why would you pick 9 Australians and only 2 South Africans? I think that too much is made of selection and coaching, someone still needs to go bat and bowl and it is in those departments that Australia failed. Also, I have to differ from you that Australia "should be" on top. It is playing average cricket at the moment against an relentless opponent. South Africa has now won series in England and Australia and drew a series in India. Maybe South Africa is just better at cricket at the moment?
Spiro Zavos
Expert
Ben J, I reckon most of the South African team would not have been picked for Australia, for one reason or another. Dale Steyn (certainly) and Jacques Kallis (perhaps) are exceptions. The difference between the sides is not a talent difference in other words but a difference in tactics, strategy, preparation and captaincy. If the South African coaching staff were given the Australian side, I'd predict a reasonably easy victory over South Africa for the side and the captain that they selected. My feeling is that players like Luke Ronchi, Marcus North and Phillip Hughes, perhaps Simon Katich (a possible captain) need to be considered. The batting order should be revised. The side desperately needs a Michael Bevan batting at six to steer the side through to victory. This could be Michael Hussey's position. And it desperately needs a correct tactical approach to make the most of the various phases an ODI match goes through. The main point is that the selectors and the coaching staff have relied on some great players to carry the side, and that when only Ricky Ponting remains they haven't been able to re-structure the side in a way that keeps it on top, where it should be. There is more than enough talent in Australia for a very formidable to be selected, if the panel could make the right selections.
Laurens K
Guest
Firstly, this is a fantastic website. We do not have equivalent in South Africa, so I have been following the development of the test and one day series through the roar as I am in the middle of the Indian Ocean without television! As a South African, I almost feel let down by the ease of our victories on this tour. It is like catching a unicorn for us! I understand we have a settled team, and you have major problems your side, but come on. Your whole country should stop complaining about losing players, injuries, etc. as we have had the same. Come on, Graham Smith is injured, and Shaun Pollock has retired recently. The difference is we have given our younger players enough preparation and exposure, and I think they actually clearly know what their roles are in the side. Remember, we had major problems after the South African ICC one day world cup, and pretty much, every other one for that matter, so we know how much it hurts to loose. Your country's cricket bosses should draw a line in the sand, take ownership, sort themselves out first, and then ACTUALLY WORK OUT A PLAN, as to what is the way forward. The way things are going, the Poms might actually give you a run come ashes time, which we really don't want as they have just replaced one south african born captain for another!!!!!! Good luck my friends...
Ben J
Guest
Spiro Interesting article. Can you elaborate on which South African players won't be considered for the equivalent Australian sides and if you have to compile a ODI squad comprising players from both sides who would you choose?
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
Call me old fashioned but what happened to the art of milking the bowling with singles into the gaps. Ponting is not the answer as capt, but nor is Clarke. Sadly, I dont know who is, unless it is the likes of White. Surely now is the time to experiment and get the nucleus of a competitive team together. I too would stick with Marsh and Warner. I particularly liked their combined innings a few days ago. Marsh could have gone on with it more, but at least it was a good start. Warner, after massive scrutiny and an unbelieveable debut, has managed to make two big scores. This is better than it looks given his inexperience in the spotlight. The others, well, change the squad and see who responds and who doesnt. Hodge needs a spot there somewhere.
Clarky
Guest
The interesting thing in all of these discussions about who should be in the team is that there's little talk about team tactics or clarity of role, apart from a few odd comments. I think we're performing poorly because our players don't understand or know the role they need to play, and during games if that role changes, do they know how and when to adapt? Cameron White is the classic example. He's picked as an allrounder, but barely ever bowls. Warner keeps getting told to get stuck in and smash the ball around, but if the strategy is to tee off from the first ball, there needs to be some patient batting down the order to seek out singles and two's and our players don't seem to know that tactic. In my mind, this comes back to some of Spiro's comments. The team is struggling based on communication, tactics and understanding of their roles (with some injuries and form slumps thrown in). On that basis, there is a CLEAR problem with the leadership of the team from the Selectors, Coach and Captain. If the answer isn't to sack them, then they need help to re-assess the approach needed and adapt.
Michael C
Guest
Brett - Tim Paine seems more suited to the longer form of the game (alas, Gilchrist's success has seen Haddin confused as a test keeper AND a ODI keeper!!). Crossthwaite perhaps more a short form keeper/batter. Hopefully both can push on. Henriques has a long, long way to go.........as a bowler.........he, like C.White, wouldn't be earning a game on his bowling. P.Hughes seems the one (along with M.Klinger) with the current domestic stats on the board. Tait is a liability presently. He can't be right. He struggles to bowl more than 2 overs in a spell at any pace..........gawd........how soon until Siddle is right to go again?? (and then of course, there's Tait in the field?!?!?!) The Warner experiment is perplexing. They've broken all the rules, all the policies and all the pathways have been ignored. And have done so with a kid against the best opposition in the world...........heck.......it might work. btw - Spiro - Katich as a batting and spin option - - main question that relates back to the test series is around his shoulder. When people criticised Ponting for not bowling Katich,very few were aware that Katich was carrying a shoulder and that being the in-form batter at the top of the order, Ponting was best to NOT risk his aggravation of niggles by asking him to bowl. I doubt that things have changed so much by now. I guess one thing, the way that Hauritz was cleaned up by A.Morkel the other night, Ponting may as well be bowling C.White.
Brett McKay
Expert
Couldn't agree more Spiro, it's been quite difficult to fathom most selections in the period since the Greats retired. And that's been as good as twelve months now, so it begs the question why lessons haven't been learned. A couple of quick points: - Mike Hussey would appear to be better suited at coming in at 6 in the ODI side, but Clarke and Symonds absence has forced his move. That said, David Hussey bats at 4 for Victoria, so why bat him at 5? Swap them at the very least, to try and bring back some familiarity to their usual roles. - Brad Haddin, while definitely in a bit a form slump with both gloves and bat, is being wasted down the batting order. I think it's worth trying him opeining with Marsh, with Marsh playing the anchor role his father made into an art form. For Haddin, this serves two purposes: it forces some discipline into his batting (because that was an U12 shot to get out yesterday), and it also forces him to 'get in' before teeing off. He's done it successfully for NSW, so it shouldn't be a stretch for him. - The Warner experiment, while theoretically entertaining, might not be working. As I wrote last week, I still want to be wrong about this, but the thought won't go away... - Stop buggering around with the spin bowlers. Seriously!! If Hauritz is the guy currently, let him play more than one game in a row!! If it's Krezja, then let him play. But stop picking part-timers and leggies who don't bowl!! Or, if he's in the side, let Warner bowl - from all reports, he can bowl offies to the lefties, and leggies to the right-handers. So try it!! Someone throw him a ball in the nets!! This is bordering on a rant now, so I might stop myself there. Hopes has done OK since I enquired what his and White's roles are in the team, so he can stay. Tait is becoming too predictable again too, so maybe Stuart Clark needs to come back in? Finally, some kids worth trying (?): - Phil Hughes, in all forms like Spiro has suggested, and he showed the other night he's just as capable blasting as he is grafting his runs. - Tim Paine, the young Tassie keeper has made hundreds opening in 1- and 4-day cricket, and is still in his early 20s. He's playing for Ruddy's XI on Thursday, and it'll be him rather than Hartley or Crossthwaite who'll push Haddin. - and the young allrounders from NSW, Steve Smith and Moises Henriques. Yes, they're young, and no they probably haven't earned it just yet, but would it hurt to get them "in the system" early, so that by the time they're 23 or 24, they're used to the international game? end of rant, apologies to all....
Scotty
Guest
As far as players that are able to work the ball around for singles and the odd 4, we have two of these - M Clark and M Hussey. Unfortunately one is injured and one is out of form. I think Hussey should drop back to 5 or 6 when Clark comes into the team. I agree with Roebuck that White=Haddin=D Hussey in batting style. Hopes has done ok, but he is maybe just an honest toiler, but without Symmonds he is the best we have. I'd stick with Haddin, but not bat him any higher than 7, unless the odd stint as an opener was an option. The likes of Hughes and North should be considered. Spiro, I don't agree with you (and many of the commentators) that the batting power play has been used incorrectly. Afterall, how was Ponting to know that his team would be so inept that they couldn't make the 50 overs. I expect that his plan was to consolidate the partnership with Hussey and himself from the end of the bowling power plan (16 overs), for around 10 to 15 overs before bringing the batting powerplay into effect in order to take some risks and do some real damage. If he and Hussey had stayed in, you woundn't even be suggesting that it was used at the wrong time. It was used well in the third game - because Australia got off to a good start and hadn't lost any wickets. It is really the failure of our batsmen to rack up long partnerships that has made the batting powerplay ineffective. A lot of the blame can be laid at Hussey's feet - I think it was game 2 where he was dismissed first ball of the powerplay, and game 4 dismissed when they looked to be getting on top, and I assume considering using the powerplay.
Spiro Zavos
Expert
One of my main points was that the selectors don't seem to know how to pick a team, rather than an accumulation of 11 players. Peter Roebuck alluded to this point, too, in his article in the SMH. All the tailenders bat the same way, as bully-boys. Michael Hussey is probably betting too high, in ODI and Tests in my view. I doubt if South Africa is actually a better side in ODI or Tests than Australia, although they have the benefit of the best fast bowler in the world, Dale Steyn. But there are players in the South African sides who would not be considered for the equivalent Australian sides. It is in the selection and preparation off the field and the tactics used on the field (taking the batting power plays, for instance) where the South Africans have the significant advantage. The Australian selectors and coaches are every bit at fault as the players in the debacle of the ODI series. They need to re-think the squad and the tactics before the series of matches with NZ, a side with a pop-gun opening attack, a world class spinner, some hitting at the top and not much self-confidence.
Harry
Guest
Didn't know Hodge was injured. Bad timing for him. Would rest (well drop if you want to be blunt) M. Hussey ahead of D. Hussey at the moment. Won't happen I know but I'd like to see Ricky rested and Dan Marsh have a go as 1 day captain. Marsh has done well with Tasmania and has a great approach.
Harry
Guest
Firstly, we just have to accept we are at a low point and the Saffa's are better than us at the moment. Theya re a really excellent team, particaurly their bowlers although Botha has got away with it. I agree Hopes, White, Haddin and the out-of-form Husseys are not of the highest standard. Yesterday's horror show removed any lingering doubt. Yesterday's XI was a long way from our best side - no M. Clarke, Bracken, Symonds in particular. I do not beleive that Haddin is an adequate wicketkeeper at test level and his fiesty approach doesn't cut it at this level against the other top teams (India and South Africa, both of whom are ahead of us in tests and one-dayers). Perhaps Chris Hartley for the tests in SA? Lets swing the axe for the final 1 day game - Hodge deserves a chance in place of M. Hussey, Spiro's boy Hughes to open, Warner to drop down to 6 to have a go at giving the Australians late innings momentum (in place of D. Hussey), home towners Ronchi and North for Haddin and White respectively. Hopefully Bracken back for Hopes. Of course a few victories against the Kiwis (although that is NOT a given) will have the usual cheer squad - the 9 commentary box, Craddock, Nielson - proclaiming all is right with Austrlain cricket. Its not, we need to be hard headed and unaccepting of mediocrity in this tough rebuilding phase.
Michael C
Guest
A damn shame that Brad Hodge is injured..............he'd be absolutely perfect to be coming in at 5 for Australia presently. Haddin is a very average batter. And a worse keeper. I'd like to see the Vics just focus on Adam Crossthwaite for a while.....to give him the chance to 'ascend' to national duties. Cam White suffers from an ill defined role. Australia runs the risk of ruining a talented cricketer by not being able to give him clear direction..........presently, he's a luxury in the side, but it need not be that way. David Warner - - is exciting,.........but...........this ain't domestic 20/20 anymore. However - along the way, too many Australians in the top 4 have got starts and not gone on with it. Too often, after 20 overs they are in a ripper position, but, key wickets keep falling just as the throttle should be pressed. - - - - the irony at present, if we were playing almost anyone other than Sth AFrica, we might not be having such concerns. (perhaps India too).
Mr Mac
Guest
Ian Healy yesterday & Peter Roebuck (Today's SMH) summed up the batting. Watching the Australian middle order poking, blocking then swiinging wildly healy asked where are the batsment that can work the singles - six an over plus maybe a boundary. Our mob are all or nothing - the problem is the latter prevails. Roebuck points out that Duminy in one match reached 50 in almoset even time withou a boundary. Spiro's comment on "bully" batting is true but it was not just NSW - Hayden & Gilchrist were masters in ODI's
Gabriel
Guest
I agree about Haddin too. Maybe he needs some tough love from the selectors, the kind that Ponting, Clarke and Martyn received early in their careers and made them stronger in the long run. Something needs to be done because he looks very complacent. In saying that I'm not sure these selectors have that ruthless streak in them. Actually I'm sure they're not because Cameron White is still getting a run. As admirable cricketer as he is, he just isn't up to international standard.
The Cougar
Guest
I agree regarding Brad Haddin's tenous grip on the keeper/batsman role. He came through the NSW team at about the same time as Michael Clarke where they'd try to bully state attacks for fun. Clarke has realised that big risks early on in an innings aren't worth taking, but Haddin persists in trying to hit long and hard from the outset. I think WA's Luke Ronchi is the way to go.