The bubble has burst, the wins over India and Sri Lanka in 2011-12 now appear to be distant memories. But for the abandoned Birmingham ODI, it was a whitewash for Michael Clarke’s men.
This is the first time Australia has lost an ODI series 0-4.
And three of these matches were lost by big margins; six wickets, eight wickets and seven wickets. So what went wrong? England had the home advantage but Australians have done well in England in the past.
I doubt whether they had cricket on their mind. They looked listless and were often going through the motions.
Could too much cricket be the problem?
I have tackled this issue in my Roar post on May 1st this year.
I wrote, “If a cricket tragic like me is asking for a break from cricket, what about the Australian cricketers who have played and are scheduled to play international cricket almost nonstop for 19 months (from August 2011 to February 2013) in six countries – over 40 weeks a year, 5 days a week, 8 hours a day?”
Australia’s results in Tests in the last nine months have been satisfying – beating Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka last August-September, drawing with the strong South Africans in South Africa last October-November, drawing with New Zealand and then thrashing India at home in 2011-12 and this April beating the West Indies 2-0 in the Caribbean.
It must nonetheless be grueling for them.
After this drubbing in England, Australia play four ODIs and three T20s against Pakistan in August-September, World T20 in Sri Lanka in September-October then the strong South Africans in Australia for three Tests in November-December.
No wonder they looked so stale and I-wanna-go-home in England in the series concluded on Tuesday. For the life of me I can’t understand why Australia toured England in June-July this year. With Wimbledon in England and the NRL and AFL at an interesting stage in Australia who would switch on a TV for a meaningless ODI series in England?
The Ashes next year in England is different. We can hardly wait. Not only did England walk all over Australia in the ODI series, they proved superior individually. Of the top six batsmen in the series, five were English and only George Bailey proved consistent with the bat.
Also of the top seven bowlers, six were English and only one Australian: Clint McKay. And the Player of the Series was England’s batman Ian Bell.
Injuries to Shane Watson and fast bowlers Brett Lee, James Pattinson and Pat Cummins did not help. The quickies need rest. They have to be preserved for the Test series against South Africa this summer down under. Cricket Australia, please note.
Surprisingly, Australia is still ranked number one in ODIs, thanks to the abandonment of the third ODI at Birmingham. They are just one point ahead of South Africa and England. Had Australia lost in Birmingham, they would have lost their top-ranking as well.
Kersi Meher-Homji
Guest
Nice to hear from you again after a long time, Anil. Any controversial juice from India will be welcome. But soon. Thanks. Best wishes, Kersi
B2
Guest
Hello again Kersi! All the best with your book “Cricket’s Conflicts and Controversies — from pre-bodyline to post-bollyline”. The next time I am in Sydney I must get a copy autographed by you. Over a drink I might even give you some juice for controversy in Indian cricket. All the Best. Anil
Kersi Meher-Homji
Guest
Thank you, Sheek. I agree. Yes, everything going well with my book on "Cricket's Conflicts and Controversies -- from pre-bodyline to post-bollyline". Waking up at around 4 every morning helps. Also receiving help from Greg and Ian Chappell, Mallett, Taber, Glenn Turner, Bishan Bedi...
sheek
Guest
Hi Kersi, Apologies for not responding sooner. This is after all, the footy season. Is there too much cricket? I would say there is too much MEANINGLESS cricket. Another one-day comp series designed to fill the cash registers more than anything else. But then, there is also too much meaningless rugby union as well. Or soccer. I think Australian cricket might have some problems heading into the future. But I must apologise, my mind is on the footy codes at the moment. More importantly, I trust your book is going well.....
B2
Guest
This is not your style Kersi.Too timid! Australia in England or England and Australia anywhere,The Australians down the Pom's Roar! This Australian team was insipid..Club Class and no spunk. How much cricket , playing hours have the players spent on the field in the past 12 months?They get paid Millions which surely should give them the best of nourishment , advise and training to keep them fit. Anyways , good luck !
Will
Guest
George Bailey seems like a player that should have serious claims and expectations of a future test berth. Looked at ease.
If we were to name a joined team not one Australian would make the side. Maybe McKay. We have some serious questions to eba sking of the domestic game in australia and the coaching that players receive in preparation for becoming professional cricketers.