It seems it’s one step forward and two steps back for Australian cricket at the moment. In each of the last two test series (versus South Africa and New Zealand) we have had a great win and a woeful loss.
Inconsistency is not uncommon in any sporting team which is both young and experiencing a high turnover of players. However, you wonder whether the character of the team has fundamentally changed.
The batting in particular has become flaky. When we lose wickets they are in bunches. For the years that I grew up watching test cricket it seemed such collapses were a disease which only our opposition could contract.
England through the Gooch, Atherton, Stewart and Hussein eras was famous for it and the Windies have done it so often in recent years it has become known and the “Callypso collap-so”.
At 2 for 159, just before lunch on the fourth day of the test which finished in Hobart yesterday – we looked to be cruising to victory. However nothing is certain in the current era of Australian test batting.
The result is that several of or batsmen will be sleeping rather poorly between now and the Boxing Day Test.
The first man to fall was Phil Hughes who was caught in the slips on twenty after having already had a life on zero after the Kiwis failed to review a caught behind appeal which replays showed was out.
Hughes’ technique has been under fire for almost all of his short career – and for good reason. When he defends he gets squared up too often and when he attacks he hits the ball in the air through the gully region too often.
The pattern of his career has been low scores followed by a big career saving knock, but I am afraid his time has run out and he will be watching the Boxing Day test on his box at home. There are several openers to come back from injury in Watson and Marsh and several state openers in good form.
Next to go was Usman Khawaja, who again gave up his wicket rather meekly. This is how you would have to describe the Test career of the polite youngster so far. He seems to be playing meekly for a man who dominated domestic cricket with attacking stroke making for the last couple of years. He cannot survive for too much longer in a losing side with a Test average of 30.
The third man to fall was Ponting. I have recently advocated for the selectors to stick with the great man. But his two dismissals in this test would give even his most loyal supporters concern.
In the first innings his issues with balance at the crease could not have been more starkly exposed. He practically fell over and was so plum he walked – a move practically unprecedented for an LBW decision.
In the second innings he attempted to play a signature back foot drive and instead spooned an embarrassing shot to cover. He has not scored a hundred in the last two years and has averaged under 30 in that period.
On the balance I still feel that Ponting as a package – when you take into account his experience, mentoring, work ethic, fielding and batting record – still deserves his spot.
I think that Michael Clarke would feel more confident when he sees R. Ponting in the lineup than without him. Ponting himself must feel now that the end is nigh and it is perhaps time to start planning for a dignified exit on his terms.
The last test of the summer in Sydney has become the stage for many such exits – including his predecessor Steve Waugh. I for one will be there to clap him all the way into the dressing room if that is the decision he makes.
We are now in the quandary that all underperforming teams face. The more changes we make the more instability we create but at the same time you cannot cheapen the baggy green by allowing guys to keep their spot without scoring runs.
Bearfax
Guest
Yep. Two good young players who will come into calculations. Certainly Burns is being looked at closely by selectors. But both are new to first class cricket and may need a little more time to see whether their early good averages continue (Bit different with Warner, who had played only a few shield games because he was already a star International 20s and 50s batsman). But Khawaja has been one of the premier first class bats for a couple of years now and should be given time to settle in test cricket. His performances in the Shield have been dominating and he has the techique to succeed. But there is a lot of pressure on these young players, especially the bats, gven the lack of form overall, though I suspect the Tasmanian test was a bowling track which only Warner (with a little luck mind you) succeeded in....not a good trial to assess. But yes Burns should be considered soon though Lynn is a little raw yet. And neither have Cosgrove's averages. But if Ponting or Hussey are dropped, then Burns should be considered.
Glen
Guest
Katich anyone? That would throw something in the mix.
lolly
Guest
I've thought that for ages, about him being frightened of the end of his career. International cricket is all he knows and he'll have to be dragged from the arena kicking and screaming.
TJ
Guest
Joe Burns and Chris Lynn perhaps. It's time the national press focused beyond their own geographical boundaries of NSW.
Bearfax
Guest
Have to agree here. Australia presently has a dearth of young up and coming batsmen and that's why we're looking at older players like S. Marsh (1st class average 39)and Cowen (1st class average 34). Who else is there...perhaps 'Tubby' Cosgrove from S.A. who has a plus 50 average or David Hussey in 40s average. Certainly S.Marsh has improved his stocks in the past year and hopefully it continues when he is recalled to Oz test team. But quite frankly at present, other than Warner, there is only one stand out young batsman in the country and that's Khawaja (whose 1st class average is in the high forties but in the high 50s in the past year). I agree that he is struggling at present but I also think he will be a first class test batsman if given a reasonable chance. Dropping him would be a serious backward step, especially now that Hughes, the only other bright light in Oz batting has blown his chance for now..
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Yeah I just saw the same comments "guaranteeing" spots for Ponting and Hussey. What a joke. Maybe Inverarity, Bichel and Marsh will over-rule him but I doubt it. Like I said before the New Zealand series - the new NSP is a bunch of sackless pussies. They don't have what is required to make the hard calls. If they let him Ponting will continue to play until he's 38 and his average drops below 50 - he is that stubborn and that scared of life beyond cricket (he has no other skills).
Red Kev
Roar Guru
R Ponting and M Hussey have proven to be mentally weaker in the last four test matches than U Khawaja. Let me be clear, I have zero problem if Usman Khawaja is dropped from the test team for a better player (although you'll have a very hard time convincing an objective judge that anyone is better than him over the past three seasons of Shield cricket). I have a massive problem is he is dropped in order to maintain the ageing and under-performing Ponting or Hussey. If Hussey and Ponting perform against India all Australian Cricket gains is a feel-good farewell tour for two batsmen who get to line their retirement funds before retiring before the next Ashes. If Khawaja performs Australian Cricket gains a rock solid technique to prop up the middle order for the foreseeable future.
AndyMack
Guest
well said. you should be appointed to the selection committee.
Fisher Price
Guest
Clarke struggled badly at No.4. I think he needs to deliver consistently at 5 before any elevation is considered. Otherwise that's a debt side, though I wonder whether McDonald would be a safer bet than Christian?
Fisher Price
Guest
The thing is, Hughes had a shocker of Shield season last summer save for a couple of tons at the end. He hasn't made consistent runs at first-class level since before he debuted for Australia (see also Hughes' stint with Hampshire).
Fisher Price
Guest
But unlike Ponting, he had three very good Tests against England and dominated a weak Sri Lankan side. I have my reservations about Hussey but why should he be required to score heavily all the time to be retained whilst Ponting just brings intensity, self-denial and failed ex-captaincy to the mix?
Bearfax
Guest
Warner Watson (batting only) Clarke Khawaja Hussey Christian (taking bowling responsibities off Watson) Wade Siddle Harris Lyon Pattinson Starc (12th)
Fisher Price
Guest
Arthur better wake up a bit, if he wants to help Australia to move up in the Test rankings. Perhaps the poor gent is in awe of Ricky Ponting.
Fisher Price
Guest
Oh, dear, another poor soul has succumbed to the Cult of Ponting.
Rhys
Guest
Just read some comments from Mickey Arthur re. Ponting and Hussey. Seems, at least in his view, that neither are going anywhere anytime soon. Apparently at this time the selectors aren't even considering the likelihood that either will vacate the team in the foreseeable future. "We need their experience" is apparently still the mantra at the selection table. Looks like Hughes will be the only change to accomodate Watson's return. Marsh is apparently unlikely to be fit in time. Same old same old.
johnnoo
Roar Pro
Red Dev disagree with what you say -he was potentially competing with Dave Warner, Hughes, Ed Cowan for an opening spot, despite not playing there he was viewed as a contender , and even talk of warner being moved to middle order. -And as for tenseness that is half the battle in pro sport , in the mind and seizing the moment in an environment where nothing is certain and 1 minute you can be up next you down, and dealing with all the fears of failure, pressure to win. All players are under pressure some more than others but the excuse of giving a player an extended stay to make him feel comfy is weak and only breeds mental softness, and when the big moments come some wont be ready for the pressure as they not used to it. It is all how you approach a situation. -Think Micheal slater wasn't tense making his test debut with no credit points, hayed was tesne when he made his odi debut. Slater overcame those issues -think Dave Warner was not tense in Bobart red kev no credit points either , he seized his moment, Usman and phil hughes did not -think Shaun marsh was not nervous in his test debut he seized his moments - Brian lara and tendulkar seize there moment with a weight of a whole nation or area (WI) breathing down there necks. Far more prssure Tendulkar has to deal with than Usman or phil Hughes has ever had to deal with Think VVS Laxman was not nervous in calcutta test when his side was in a terrible position Think Kapil Dev was not tense in 1983 ODI world cup when Inida down 5-17 facing elimination if they lost to Zimbabwe -Think Ian botham was not tense Red Kev at Headingly in 1981 when england faced with losing ASHES in hopeless position Or Ali taking a beating by George Forman and coming back -Micheal jordan had to with all the ridiculous fan expectation very time he went out to play basketball -darren lockeyer as well steps up for QLD in the big games -The ALL Blacks captain Mccaw had to carry the hopes of a NZ nation he stepped up and lead well when the pressure was truly on -Steve Donald stepped up in the final and got the penalty goal -James O'connor got the crucial penalty goal under massive pressure to get the aussies in to the world cup semi final Usman and phil Hughes have failed mentally to the pressure so far, micehal Jordan has proved himself ot be higher mental standards than Usman and Phil Hughes red kev, so has rich macaw, sachin, javed miandad, brian lara , shane warne , red Kev. think Inzamum Red Kev , a young Inzamaum was not nervous having to go out and bat with Imran khan with Pakistan in a hopeless position in 92 ODI World cup semi VS NZ at Eden Park. He stepped up with mental strength not letting fear of failure or batting with the captain Imran kHAN get to him when everything was on the line no 2nd chances Micheal Slater and Dave warner didn't succumb to the pressure. So when top level sport is cut throat there ar eno such things as easing in periods you have to seize the big moments . Usman and phil hughes have failed to be as mentally strong red kev as the names i have all mentioned above, and they are suffering as a result of it.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
Except Usman Khawaja is not competing with Dave Warner for a spot. He is pitted against Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting - and he offers far more than either at the moment in terms of potential reward weighed against the risk of playing a currently struggling batsman (all three are currently struggling). It should also be noted that myself and many others have also noted Khawaja's tenseness and recommend giving him an open ticket for the India and West Indies series. Rather than bringing him in for 3 tests as injury cover so he knows he has a limited time to impress. Say you've got the rest of the summer - go play cricket. If he fails miserably against India you still drop him but try to help the guy who has been the best in Shield cricket but is having trouble taking the next step rather than lambasting him and calling for him to be dropped and replaced by a guy who performs worse at Shield level.
johnnoo
Roar Pro
Yes I have Red Kev, and some things strike me about Usman , with some other players form a few generations ago. Matt hayden, micheal began are 2 that come to mind. I will do a equation for you Matt hayden VS Micheal Slater Usman Khawaja VS Dave Warner Matt Hayden when given a start was tense and seemed consumed by a fear of failure same with began. Where as Micheal Slater's mind was free and he played naturally accepting the risks that come with being a rookie and your spot in the team at risk. Usman seems the same consumed by a fear of failure and tension setting in. Where as Dave Warner's mind is free and he plays naturally, accepting the risks that he may lose his spot. Freedom an attacking mindset are crucial and almost an acceptance of risk and failure in my opinion. And I see Usman currently burdened by the fear of failure, like young Matt Haydne and Micheal Bevan suffered form in the game too Red Kev.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
By the way to everyone bagging Hughes and Khawaja ... rewind to 2006 and the comments about Shane Watson ... Jeff Thomson on Shane Watson: "He's not an all rounder's a**8hole," Thomson said. "He bats okay but his bowling is way below par at top level, so he's not an allrounder ... let's get serious. To me, he plays blokes in." Here's a smattering of posts other people ... "Also glad that the most overrated cricketer in Australia - Shane Watson - has been left out. He'll have his time - but it's not now." "I can't believe it took them that long to see that Shane Watson isn't needed in the team. His bowling average in both forms of the game is higher than his batting average - he has been a liability at international level to put it in simple terms." "It's guys like Shane Watson who shouldn't be in the test team, he's a crap all-rounder who gets no bounce, no swing, and basically just bowls dead straight." Just saying ... maybe their time isn't now but I have zero doubt that if it isn't now, it will be in a few years time.
Red Kev
Roar Guru
You sir do not afford him enough respect. Have you ever watched him bat except in 3 innings on Australian television?