Selection chairman Andrew Hilditch has absolved himself of blame for Australia’s crushing Ashes series defeat and warns even tougher challenges lie ahead for the Test team.
In the aftermath of an unprecedented third loss by an innings for the series, Hilditch said he and his fellow selectors Greg Chappell, David Boon and Jamie Cox had done “a very good job” in choosing the teams for the five matches.
“I think we’ve done a very good job as a selection panel, but the reality is we were totally outplayed,” Hilditch said after the fifth Test at the SCG on Friday.
“You can’t get away from that fact. They were better than we were.
“We put a side on the paddock we expected to compete really well, but they gained momentum probably at the start of the Adelaide Test match.
“We regained a bit in Perth – only a little bit – and then lost again in Melbourne.”
Pressed as to whether he would accept any responsibility for the result, Hilditch demurred, suggesting the next two Test series Australia would play, against Sri Lanka and South Africa away from home, will be even tougher.
“I take responsibility for doing the best job I can possibly do for Australian cricket,” he said.
“It’s what I’ve always done, I have a great passion for it and still want to do it. I’m sure we’ll get through this stage, but it will be tough.
“Our next two series are tougher than this one I think, playing Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka and South Africa away are as tough as it gets.
“It will be a steep learning curve for some players, but maybe it’s a good way to learn, away from home playing in the toughest conditions.”
Only five players – Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle and Shane Watson – took part in the whole of the Ashes series, but Hilditch defended the changes made to the team, including the use of three spinners in Xavier Doherty, Michael Beer and Steve Smith rather than previous incumbent Nathan Hauritz.
He also indicated they were ready to stick by newcomers.
“We went from apparently being a conservative selection group who didn’t make enough changes to a group who made too many changes, and that happened in a day,” he said.
“If the time comes that they’re not ready to play international cricket we’ll move on, but we’re certainly intending to support them.
“Happy with signs at times from Usman Khawaja this Test match, he has a lot to learn, but really positive signs, I thought the same from Steve Smith this series.
“(Phil) Hughes, disappointed how he went, but thought he was improving. The run out in Melbourne hurt him pretty badly, and again [faced] some very, very good bowling.”
Oracle
Guest
Oh well, why should anyone be surprised. Hilditch won't pick Cam White in the Test side due to "technique" issues, but they don't hesitate to pick Hughes and Smith,who by Hilditch's reasoning must have rock-solid techniques. As for continually selecting the hopelessly out of form Clarke, says it all really.
Cricket Burble
Guest
Surely the fact that there have been ten spinners tried since Warne and the best spinner in Australia (who averages an excellent 30 in home Tests) didn't get a single game in The Ashes are grounds for all the selectors to resign or be sacked. On top of that the selection of Smith ahead of Khawaja for the Perth Test was lunacy, and should put the matter beyond doubt!
Jason
Guest
No one could possibly make that up...
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Its pretty good satire. Wonder if they'll follow it with the head of Cricket Australia saying the schedule wasnt his fault ?
Jason
Guest
When did The Roar become a satirical website?
Fred Doh
Guest
Hilditch's statement, and Neilson's refusal to take any responsibiity for our team's dismal performance, is the strongest indication yet of their unsuitability for the job. Any half-decent selector and coach has to be honest enough to recognise the faults and address them. Just as the Reserve Bank gives its broad reasoning for interest rate changes, these officials ought to make public their broad reasons for selections, and the coach ought to publish his post match review after each test match. Then maybe we will understand where they're coming from.
Hansie
Guest
Hilditch's statement is staggering, but very revealing. He's living in a parallel universe and not recognising or confronting the very real problems facing Australian cricket.
whiteline
Guest
I'm sure Smith is a very good tennis player and flat track cricketer..... England must be having a good old laugh at our expense picking this guy in our best 6 batsmen. I'd be fascinated to see a survey of the Shield cricketers around the country of the best players, I'd be very surprised if his peers rate him as highly as the media.
dudfarmer
Guest
Plough them in and start a new crop and round-up the tall poppies(AH,AS,selectors).
Shane Sullivan
Guest
They picked an opener with an average of 17 in shield cricket this year! and ignored players averaging near fifty.
Lolly
Guest
He probably does believe that though.
Seiran
Roar Guru
Unbelievable. From the top down, this Ashes series has been a disaster from the moment England touched down in Australia. The selections have been made poorly, with too much faith given to players clearly out of form in the hope that they will suddenly find themselves again. What Australia really needs now is a complete clear out, starting with the selectors, coaches and team leaders. All past endevours need to be put aside and all future selections into the next Australian test team need to be based solely on this years performances in what is left of the Sheffield Shield season.
Lancashire
Guest
Surely he's not serious? Started with a bloated 17 man squad for the first Test, then got worse ...