Overdue homework: ten bullet-points for the Australian cricket team

It is hard not to lament after being whitewashed by India 4-0 in a Test series.

But the Australian cricket team must focus on ensuring that the warning signs from the Test series are recognised and the team’s approach altered accordingly.

The team must continue to improve, and it can only do this through an honest reflection on an individual and group level.

Which brings a sense of deja-vu in light of homework gate.

This idea brings to mind a line from a great Tupac Shakur song, Changes, where Tupac raps: “you see the old way wasn’t working, so it’s on us to do what we gotta do to survive.”

While Australia may have been able to postpone the transition for a while, it is clear to us all that this team is in transition and this means there are some important lessons and truths that it needs to reflect on.

Here are just ten that I would be discussing as part of my homework:

1. While many of the younger generation may have grown up idolising (or in Watson’s case emulating) some of the dominant Steve Waugh’s invincibles, their talent is not at the level where they should adopt this swagger.

For example, while Warner may like to think he is the next Hayden or Sehwag, the reality is he is not (perhaps yet).

His arrival on the Test scene was heralded with his newfound commitment to concentration.

His commitment, drive, technique and cricket brains all failed him in India. Put simply Warner needs to do less talking and learn some grit from his opening partner.

2. Phil Hughes showed great improvement as the Tests moved on.

He will benefit greatly from this exposure to spin, especially if he needs to play Graeme Swann and Monty on what will be less hostile pitches.

He and Ed Cowan were unluckily dismissed by poor decisions on occasions, but that will not be the case with DRS in the Ashes.

Both showed good fight, determination and sanctity of wicket.

3. Steven Smith played well, and once again his legspin showed promise but not practice.

Like Nathan Lyon, if Australia wants returns from its spinners it needs to invest in coaches and also grounds which will favour spin.

Great to see Lyon improve over the tour.

4. Matthew Wade’s keeping continues to be a problem, he is not a ‘positive’ game changer with the gloves. The stumping that he missed from Vijay down the leg side could have turned the final Test match.

I think Healy would have stumped him, but not Wade.

He also seems to lack the basics in batting and keeping whether it be sweating out a knock or taking difficult half chances when keeping.

5. Watson must go.

He remains a divisive influence on this young team and is inspiring the wrong ethic and attitude in a team trying to find its own identity.

6. Butterworth continues to press his case for the much coddled all-rounder spot in the team.

While Henriques lacked penetration with the ball in India (on unfriendly pitches) he could be a completely different proposition with the Duke and some grass in England.

Maxwell cannot be in contention after failing to take his opportunities with bat and ball.

In an ideal world, Henriques could force Watson out.

7. The lower order players’ batting was a big bonus (and unfortunately highlight).

It is clear now that if worked on Mitchell Starc (and to a lesser degree James Pattinson and Peter Siddle) can become very good bowling all-rounders.

The key is to build on the confidence here.

8. Starc remains erratic with his bowling and fails to build consistent pressure with an older ball.

It’s exceptionally difficult to set fields to the two lines he bowls when the ball has lost its shine.

9. Siddle and Pattinson have logged some good miles on this tour.

Bowling spells like that under adversity will greatly benefit them in more seam-friendly conditions.

Pattinson will be especially scary with some grass on the wicket and the hard Duke.

With Bird in the mix it would seem Mitchell Johnson may be squeezed out.

10. I’ll keep it short. Usman Khawaja comes in for Watson.

So (for all of those who I know love to focus on selection), the 11 moving forward for me would be.

Cowan, Hughes, Khawaja, Warner, Clarke, Smith, Henriques, Paine (WK), Siddle, Starc, Pattinson, Lyon (with Lyon to swap with Henriques if they wish to move from a four pronged pace attack).

While the result was a whitewash, I think Australia can take a lot from this series if they are proactive, positive and reflective.

If they do not learn their lessons, they will not progress and improve. Simple as that.