It is ingrained in our psyche. As Australia cricket supporters we expect a hero to save the day. No matter how great the odds might be against us, we assume someone at some point, will display that uniquely Australian fighting spirit and that the good guys will prevail.
When we sat at the top of world cricket, some accused our boys in baggy green of arrogance, and bewilderingly claimed it was boring that victory was so regular.
But what made that side so dominate and so ruthless was the champions littered throughout the champion team.
Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath, Hayden, Langer. The list goes on. They weren’t just talented, they continually exuded those uniquely Australian qualities, and they almost always played the hero.
At times they may have looked arrogant, but never were they beaten without a fight, never did they fold without a whimper. When it mattered most, they rose to the occasion. When their country needed them, they were charging in, or standing their ground. Now tell me, where have those qualities gone?
You can’t replace men of that calibre easily, but we’re not asking for another great leg spinner, or another champion opener, just men who will show fight day-in day-out, and not crumble at the slightest hint of pressure.
The selectors have copped their fair share of criticism, and so they should. Their treatment of players has been inconsistent and they refuse to make the tough decisions.
It appears that Andrew Hilditch and co. choose the option that has the least chance of back-firing. But it is wrong to choose a team in fear of regret, worried about what might go wrong instead of what they might achieve. Choose a team of characters and see what they can do, or who they can become.
I have to admire Steve Smith for his enthusiasm, but if he is the sixth best batsman in the country then I no nothing about cricket. After the way we have played this series, we should have picked an extra batsmen anyway and let smith play as the spinner.
Dave Hussey might be the wrong side of thirty, but until someone is better, you have to pick him. Smith, Callum Ferguson, Cameron White and Shaun Marsh just don’t have the credentials yet.
And while the selectors need a rocket, the players at the top need to fight every day, not just when it suits, or when it’s coming out right. I’d happily watch Peter Siddle take none for 100, at least you know he’s charging in, at least he remembers he’s playing for his country.
Only Mike Hussey has shown the sort of fight required this summer from our top order. Jimmy Anderson and his English mates have swung the ball and bowled with discipline – something from which we could learn a thing or two. But theirs is not an attack to write history.
Ricky Ponting’s summer was tragic for a player regarded as one of the best this country has produced. While his best may be behind him, he is only guilty of caring too much, of trying too hard, and I for one won’t be calling for his resignation.
Michael Clarke, Phil Hughes, Brad Haddin – every second innings, and Shane Watson – once he gets past forty, need to remember what it meant to receive that baggy green. The incumbents, and those who will debut over the next 12 months, must take the crease with the sort of resolve that have turned ordinary players into great ones.
Just ask your batting coach boys.
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