Many in my country India started to admire and support Aussie cricket team once the era of dominance (post 2000) started.
I started to support the Aussies from the 1996 World Cup, at a time when Aussie cricket was in good shape but by no means invincible.
After the 1996 World Cup loss in the final, Aus lost a home ODI series against Pak and WI, not even reaching the final. They then played the Titan Cup (ODI) in India and failed to reach the final again.
In between these One-day games, Australia lost Test tours in India in 1996 and 1998.
I said I am “lucky” to have supported Australia before the era of dominance because I am not getting cranky at the 0-4 result like some of the other fans.
I have seen such days before, when we were completely outplayed.
I do know that our last 0-4 happened more than three decades back, but we also should look at the fact that we do have a very young team.
So, in this context, I think we should appreciate the few fights put up by Cowan, Warner, Hughes, Smith, Pattinson,Siddle, Starc, Lyon and Wade, and the gutsy display by our skipper.
Some might say that I have re-defined the word ‘fight’ and lowered it by mentioning someone like Hughes here. That may be true to some extent, but let’s accept that fact that these blokes have played in these conditions for the very first time.
No one noticed Hashim Amla when he toured India the first time. No one foresaw what he could become.
It was a modest tour for him, but the next time he came to India he was the talk of the tour, and bagged the man of the series award.
I could see similar things from this team. They clearly held a desire to fly high, and they have the talent.
I am sure this tour has helped them learn a lot!
I don’t agree with the ‘prophets of doom’ who say that the glory days are behind.
We may not see another Ponting or Hussey! We need not. But we will surely see new and improved versions of Cowan, Hughes and company who will be legends on their own, not a shadow of those who have gone before.
I think our captain was very modest and sincere in admitting that they “let the fans down.”
So, now is the time for us, the Aussie cricket fans to stand with our team and support them now more than ever.
After all, who else could understand our team if we don’t?
Les B
Guest
You may well be right Renegade. Now is the time to pick a young team eg: Burns & Silk and let Cowan and Watson go. Every Australian resurgence has been lead by, quality Captains, not a cast of thousands. Benaud, Chappell & Border all lead young teams to sucess. All indications are that Clarke can be equally sucessful, but it won't happen if every man and his dog has some input.
Renegade
Guest
2 years time we'll be dominating again.....you have to go through a rough period to get back to the top, it's never easy.
JGK
Roar Guru
The captain's from Queensland.
formeropenside
Guest
No Queenslanders means a poor team. Its pretty obvious really.
Colvin
Guest
I'm sure we all hope you're right Sanjay.
Jonny Boy Jnr
Guest
Disagree. If the selectors pick a team that we can respect then I will make peace. How can I respect Cowan or any of Clarke's other mates who get more than a fair go at cementing a spot while others get little to none. The shining light of the Aussie team is a couple of the quicks and that is all that is keeping me interested ATM
SANJAY W DESHMUKH
Guest
I AM ASTUTE AUSTRALIAN CRICKET FAN. I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY AUSTRALIAN TEAM SO MUCH SHOULDER DOWN WHICH PLAYED IN INDIA RECENTLY. I AM SURE THEY WILL COME UP VERY STRONGLY AGAINST THEIR ARCH RIVAL ENGLISH TEAM, AND WILL BRING THE ASHES AT HOME. LYON IS IMPROVING REMARKABLY AND MAY TROUBLE ENGLISH BATSMAN. SHOULD WATCH SWAN. ATTACKING ENGLISH SPIN ATTACK WILL PLAY A KEY ROLE IN AUSSIE BATTING. ALL THE BEST AUSSIE.
rishabh
Guest
When guys like Maxwell start getting Baggy Green Cap after getting IPL Cap, then you know somthing is wrong with selection Policy. I know I am not a Cricket expert but the guys who are on Panel are and I desperaly hope for them to prove right. Dont want Oz to go the same way as WI...
Dan Ced
Guest
I feel for the players, but can't stand up for them. The selectors are DAFT. This isn't the AUS team, it's a boys club of decent cricketers and that's all. As a Redbacks supporter, what say you of the chances of Sayers/Ferguson/Ludeman making the ashes squad? Ludeman had the most catches in the Shield this year and got many a clutch 50 to resucue an innings. Perfect backup for (and probably better than) Wade. Ferguson is back in form after a lean spell, some good knocks for Aus A. Sayers, highest wicket taker in Shield cricket this year! Should be in there in place of Siddle. Anyway, I was unsure about Smith, but he proved he is worth having as a backup. Henriques had one good innings and proved pretty useless with the ball, should not get picked again. Maxwell is hopeless; We all know that, he must be giving selector reacharounds.
Bearfax
Guest
Joshua I agree with much that you say and have been saying over and again that patience is needed with these young cricketers. Said it before that this is the most inexperienced and young side I have seen since I started following cricket in the late 1950s. Most great players tend to start slowly in their test career. Some like Taylor and Clarke burst onto the scene. others like Ponting and Hayden need time. I've no doubt that in about 2 years Australia will be one of the top sides again. With the present group and a number of young outstanding players just starting their first class career, we have the makings of a very good side. We'll probably lose the Ashes but then I think as the games proceed you will see the pendulum swing towards Australia. My one point of dispute is Cowan, who is already 30 and unlikely to get much better. I suspect young Silk will replace him in about 2 years. I suspect Siddle will run out of steam and Sandhu will become the next big fast bowling thing. Agar and Zampa will probably become Australia's dominant spinners (maybe with Ahmed). And watch out for a top order batsman with loads of talent, yet to be seen in FC matches in Bosisto. This kid is outstanding and mature well beyond his 19 years
Winston
Guest
It goes both ways though. If there's less $$ in cricket compared to other sports, then the sporty teenager who excels in most sports at 14 may choose to focus on other sports over cricket. A lot of fans seem to underestimate the value of money!
Crashy
Guest
Cricket Australia destroyed itself with its quest for the dollar. History, integrity and respect for the game was replaced with dozens of meaningless one dayers which became horrible to watch. The focus on test cricket has collapsed and look at what's happened. Player participation rates have fallen and Australians are just not as passionate in the game as we once were. Shame on you ca.
Johnno
Guest
Maybe in Melbourne fans stay without here team when there , losing but to sydneysiders and the NSW/sydney centric running of cricket in Australia, sydneysider's are not local to there teams, and that includes the national team. And 4.5 million in sydney,a tough market to please,. So population wise you a lot of fans, with pay-tv subscriptions.