It’s obvious the main problem with Australia’s national cricket side is that they are struggling to play as a cohesive unit.
Usually one would expect Australia to have achieved the victory target set by New Zealand in Hobart in the second Test.
But such is the mental state of the Aussie batsmen at the moment, that quite a few cricket writers including one on The Roar, anticipated that the die was not yet cast when the Aussies were 72/0 overnight before capitulating on the fourth day at Bellerive.
And, so it proved in the end when New Zealand won a Test in Australia for the first time in 26 years.
There would not have been so many doubters among the cricket pundits in years gone by, when dare I say it, the likes of Warne, Gilchrist, McGrath among them, were around.
Now the tide is changing for the worse and Australian cricket has to start asking itself – not so much why, but where to from here?
It takes some time to rebuild a team into a winning combination after running roughshod for so long over the opposition. The time has now come when the excuses proffered, that Australia is still a team “in transition” as it concerns the re-building phase after the numerous retirements, can be regarded as nothing but a red herring.
By now one would not have expected that transition to have been fully completed of course, but there is no indication either that Australia knows where it is headed – save a few bowlers who are making their mark.
Australia seems to be lurching from one batting disaster to the next – to the point where no one is sure what will happen next. Their dismal collapse for 47 at Newlands recently, as much as it was unacceptable, was quite inexplicable.
Surely, as a unit the team in its entirety should have better assessed what was going on. They barely avoided being bowled out for their lowest total ever in Tests.
It was evident in the type of shots that were played on the day at Newlands, that they were not a reflection of a team that knew what it was doing based on the state of play. The same could be said for their first innings total of 136 all out at Bellerive. What’s going on here; Ponting especially, and Hussey look a shadow of their former selves in very important positions in the batting order.
As to why this is happening all too frequently is anyone’s guess. Many snippets of advice have been given to the Australians on this forum as to what may be the way forward. Possibly Tim Paine as wicketkeeper, bringing back the likes of Hilfenhaus, Bollinger etc. – but how sure can we be that what most of the fans are advocating is ultimately the road to take?
Is it not something negative that has crept into the Aussie psyche that is triggering these collapses, rather than ongoing problems in finding the right combination(s)? Usman Khawaja has come in, to step up to take over the No 3 mantle and has definitely shown periodic glimpses of his talent. His innings at Newlands paved the way for an Aussie victory in the second Test against South Africa.
But still, judging from this forum there are complaints about Khawaja not being able to build bigger totals. Was the omission of Katich a big mistake?
If the selectors thought Hughes would be the best man to do the job, then they have erred. Speaking of the selectors, there has been a culling in this regard; now it’s the era of Inverarity and co. Will that improve the state of Australian Cricket in terms of consistency, which they were held in high regard for?
Not forgetting incoming coach Mickey Arthur, a South African, who will have to manage former adversaries such as Ponting, Clarke etc. I wonder how that is working out.
But it’s abundantly clear that all is not well in camp. Is it the state of Sheffield Shield Cricket (which I don’t have a clue about), as someone alluded to on this forum sometime ago that’s caused the batting failures? Is it too many Twenty20 tournaments, like the Big Bash, when Australia should have its focus on improving its form in the longer format of the game? Is it the man they call “Pup” the precocious talent, but a captain accused of having too much ego and self-love and besotted with superstardom, that’s not helping the cause?
Clarke has on some occasions been the standout contributor, only to flatter to deceive by playing a shoddy innings the next, similar to that of the players he is criticising. He’s aside to the media that Phillip Hughes may have to go back to New South Wales to get some runs smacks of a bit of arrogance. Can’t instil confidence in the lad now can it? Which means he should say the same of the likes of Ponting and Hussey, who can’t seem to make some decent scores consistently.
Do selectors need to rid the team of the likes of Hussey and Ponting, who have become too old for the job they are required to do? I think Bracewell’s quick-as-a-flash dismissals of Clarke, Ponting and Hussey in Hobart shows that the big men are unable to stand up and be counted just as they did at Newlands, and it points to a lack of unity of purpose. These are the cogs in the Aussie machine; they should be working together, but they’re not. Each to their own, maybe but also signs of some mental disintegration.
Yes they did come back to beat the South Africans at Newlands and full marks to that, but that is part of the inconsistency that is Australia at the moment. I guess, all of us including the selectors can’t place their finger on it. Can the players hold a mirror up to themselves?
It’s crunch time for Australian Cricket, a time when everyone has to unify for the sake of the game in that country; so it can move forward for the sake of progress. They’d better, as the Indians arrive. But my guess is that it’s not something they are going to fix that quickly either. The softer, brittle side of Australian cricket has unfortunately been laid bare by poor planning, questionable selections and appointments – and that includes coaching staff.
Nowhere was it more clearly demonstrated than by Nathan Lyon when he sank to his haunches, head buried between his knees when the final bell had sounded at the Bellerive. No fault of his that the death rattle had sounded for Australian Cricket.
TJ
Guest
good call on Cooper.
TJ
Guest
Time for Joe Burns and Chris Lynn to get a go ahead of Hughes, khawaja and Maddinson.
Lancey5times
Guest
Shaun Marsh is a more than capable opener and this would allow Watson to drop down the order (I'd play him at 5 with Hussey at 6). Leave Khawaja at 3. I'm sure he'll go better coming in on the back of some better starts by the openers. And Dan Christian? Oh dear. The guy is an average cricketer with an average average in what has become a very average competition. An average in the 20's should never get you a start in the Australian top 6.
Lancey5times
Guest
Can the moderators here please do something about the ongoing Simon Katich recall talk. For all the quality insight into this great game that gets thrown up here it is dumbed down by this nonsense. I am a proud New South Welshman and a massive Katich fan but he is gone kids. And he ain't coming back. Recalling him would send the wrong message to the young players out there and if the new selectors direction is bringing back players in there late 30's then we are in even more trouble than getting rolled for 47. I'm sure even Katich would like everyone to let this go
Lancey5times
Guest
What game are you watching champ? Simon Katich is in form?
Ksi
Guest
My 2c Warner Katich Khawaja Marsh Clarke Watson Haddin Siddle Pattinson Harris Lyon -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Bearfax
Guest
Unfortunately there doesnt seem an opener other than Warner, who looks the part and has the figures to show, so I suspect Watson will return to that role for now. I think Clarke needs to come in at 3 and then Khawaja, who has been a little scratchy but unlucky (run out by Ponting when well on the way to a big one). Havent given up on Hussey yet, but Ponting seems to have been in the doledrums for a long time and though he'll probably be picked for experience, I would give Christian a go at 6, which would also take the bowling responsibilities off Watson. Time for a change of the guard at wicketkeeping and Wade seems next in line. Without Cummings being available I think the bowlers pick themselves in Siddle, Harris, Pattinson and Lyon with Starc holding the drinks.
Republican
Guest
Join NZ at the 'hup' as their third Island. They are clearly a sporting nation that we can glean much from and cut our taxes, since they match us in all and sundry with a fifth of the population and without an AIS.
Tommy
Guest
To be fair to Huss, he got a pretty decent nut first ball yesterday. Got a couple of unplayables in South Africa too.
Tommy
Guest
Even Katich has given up hope, which is sad but it is the reality. The people who sacked Kat have now been sacked themselves so that is a tiny consolation. A public stoning would have been more approriate but that is neither here nor there, lets move on from Kat.
Rhys
Guest
Barry, indications are the selectors like the look of Cooper as well, judging by the fact he's been chosen in both warm up games against the Indian squad. If he takes his chance he may well be a bolter for Boxing Day.
Red Kev
Guest
If Katich had never been dropped I would agree. But he was. He's gone. CA tore up his contract and just hauled him before the board on disciplinary charges. He's done at international level. Accept it, move on. If it helps pretend he is injured - the fact is Katich is not available for selection (just like Brad Hodge).
jameswm
Guest
yep Wooblies - I think we can say in retrospect now that getting rid of Katich was a big boo boo. Even Watto's form has suffered, when you have the jumpy Hughes at the other end making the bowlers think they have a chance all the time. Kat and Warner would be a good combination. Won't happen of course, but geez they could use his ticker and smarts right now. Tough and smart, they're the two things we need from our cricketers. And Kat has both in spades.
jameswm
Guest
...and Cummins.
jameswm
Guest
Kev you need a balance between winning now and planning for the future. I don't think being strong in 5 years justifies losing for 3 years in the meantime. Kat at the top would make our top 7 look so much more solid. Cowan's 29, it's not like he's a spring chicken. Still, he could have 5-6 good years of test cricket in him, whereas Kat has 2 at the most. I don't think the Ashes has to be the sole focus. He shoulda been made captain after the Ashes debacle, to bring the team through the next 2 years and hand over to whoever was ready, be it Clarke, Paine or someone else. That's what I said after the Ashes and I think in retrospect I was right. Clarke has shown more imagination than Ponting as captain, but honestly, so could a doorknob. The team has not huddled together and fought tooth and nail under Clarke.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Hughes has to go. Ponting has had two years worth of chances and he needed a couple of tons to save his career not a couple of 50s. It's getting painful to watch him scratching around and seeing him walk (jog) to that lbw decision was sad to see. As much as I love Hussey, can we really afford to give him two years of opportunities as well ? He was struggling for a long time before last years Ashes but the good series he's had against England and SL have surely been wiped by the weak efforts against SA and NZ. As much as I love Katich recalling another 36 year old is not the way forward. It's not like he's been setting the shield alight with his performances. Haddin just doesn't seem to value his wicket or his position within the team. Like the mid 80s this team needs to look for players with character - guys willing to fight through the tough times. To my mind Warner, Marsh and Clarke have all demonstrated their grit when needed. Khawaja has too, but has been unable to go on with it and I think deserves a further chance in the side. Cowan is in red hot form right now. Are selectors going to wait until he is struggling for runs before he gets a chance ? My top 7 : Warner Cowan Marsh Watson Clarke Khawaja Wade I also like the look of Cooper from SA. Bowling is our strength at the moment. Siddle, Pattinson and Harris are the top 3 quicks and Lyon has nailed down the spinners spot. Back up from Hazelwood, Starc, Cutting, Copeland
WoobliesFan
Guest
But according to the many Roar experts, we'd lose out more if we dropped him (and the likes of Ponting). Incredible huh. The old timers stink, plain and simple. Hughes stinks too. The team stinks in general. I've hardly a positive thing to say about the lot of them, and that disappoints me - Watson, Warner, Cummings exceptions. I even like Khawaja, but Justin Langer is destroying him.....which reminds me - our batting has never been worse since he became batting coach. In hindsight, we're going to rue the day Micheal Clarke ever became captain...obviously he can't be blamed entirely, but he's spirit and manner has cast an uninspiring shroud around this team...it's like were not warriors anymore, but boys amongst men. I miss Katich badly....he would have walked Doug Bracewell, punched him in the guts and then slogged him for six, while signalling to the stands for a XXXX gold tea break. CA – you suck.
Red Kev
Guest
Motion Denied! There is no point picking anyone over 30 for the national team at the moment. The aim of Cricket Australia has to be to use the next few test series to identify a team and then build their collective skills and play to a level to challenge for the Ashes in the back-to-back series in two years. Even if you recall Katich and retain Ponting, Hussey and Haddin AND they all make oodles of runs against India, none of them will be playing in the next Ashes series. It is far far far better for the team to move them all on now. Look to the next decade, not the last.
Johnno
Guest
Mike hussy average since sir lank in 7 innings is 11.83
Chris
Guest
Motion seconded! You forgot to add in the fact that he's in form. But I've been beating this dead horse for a while. For whatever reason, the selectors seem to have marked his file 'never to be picked for Australia again'. In the absence of any rational reasoning, one has to agree in the Clarke conspiracy theory...