Ruthless simplicity is how I would describe Australia’s cricket so far in this Ashes series. The game plans are quite simple and the implementation of them has been nothing short of clinical.
It is reminding everyone of how Australia used to play: aggressive, disciplined fast bowling, fast scoring batting, with intent that puts pressure on the opposition bowlers and fielding that intimidates the opposition.
We have a saying at Yorkshire regarding our work in the field. We want every player to have a presence and to have good body language out there.
What I say to our boys is that, today I am leaving a ticket for a mate of mine. Without him seeing the scoreboard, I want him to assume that we are well on top.
What would that look like? What can you do so that my mate thinks we are driving the game?
It’s quite a simple yet effective way to keep the ‘hustle’ in our fielding efforts and that is exactly what we are seeing in this series so far.
Without looking at the scoreboard in this Adelaide Test, anyone who walked through the turnstiles would have known Australia were in front in the game.
The energy levels were high, there were great saves in the field, and chances were taken.
So what has changed?
It certainly helps when you get big runs in your first innings and you have a bowling attack executing a plan well, yet I can’t help but feel that the return of Fielding Coach Mike Young has had a massive impact.
I do not believe in coincidences.
When Australia was seen as the best fielding side in world cricket under John Buchanan, who was involved? Mike Young.
Australia’s fielding has been top drawer this series so far and this coincides with Mike being back in the fold.
He is more than a fielding coach. He has been a Level 3 Cricket Coach for 30 years. Not bad for an American-born and bred Baseball player and coach/manager.
In my opinion, his greatest strength is his motivating skills.
He is an amazing character to listen to with his American accent and enthusiasm. I have heard from many cricketers over the years that after a fielding session with Youngy, or a chat about the game, you walk away feeling 10 feet tall.
His fielding sessions are simple, specific and relevant, but it is his words, body language and encouragement that gives you that feeling that you can ‘make the play’: take the difficult chance, get the run out or make the important dive stop.
He praises effort and reminds you about possessing a good attitude to your work in the field.
“The game within the game,” as Youngy likes to say.
What does stand out is his genuine love for the game of cricket, his unconditional support of the lads, and positive energy that oozes out of him that is incredibly infectious.
You can’t help it, you have a smile on your face when you are in his company and I believe this is EXACTLY why Darren Lehmann has got Mike Young back involved with this Australian cricket Team.
Enjoyment.
Enjoy the hard work, enjoy the success of your mates, enjoy the game and put on a show for the spectators.
There is a common theme isn’t there? I think the word starts with ‘E’. It is great to see the Australian Team with smiles on their faces again.
Jason Gillespie
Guest
Thanks for all the positive feedback on the article guys. Australian Cricket is in good hands. Dizzy
Praveen
Guest
Text editor cut out my words, wow in the sense that how brilliant is mike young, he has clearly improved the catching and fielding and this is giving us a edge
Jo M
Guest
And good on him I say, it's almost like every day there is some article saying another bowler should be picked over him.
Broken-heartedToy
Guest
The fielding has been excellent. Quite outstanding catching which makes a massive difference to any team. That's the kind of team I recognise. Nice thing is that none of the fielders have to be hidden. Watson isn't much chop out in the field but he's good for slips, not brilliant but good. Bailey looks good close in, I suspect he can be a real pest there to opposing batsmen. It's great fun.
Nudge
Guest
Clarke will bat for sure
josh
Roar Rookie
I've been near the boundary edge when Australia is fielding and I've seen Mike Young at work behind the boundary rope, just being there supporting the bowler who'd finished his spell down at fine leg. He is almost like a base coach in baseball.
Brett McKay
Expert
wow?
Praveen
Guest
Wow
KLO
Guest
Spot on Antho!
Antho
Guest
We can gloat for now and I'm just as wrapped as every Test cricket lover that we are dominating the Poms. Let's put it to bed in Perth! That said we have to be honest and say that the team is playing well as a group but that we are very light on when it comes to talent - one false slip and we'll be a rabble again. Rogers, Smith lucky to be playing Test cricket - enjoy it while it lasts boys as you won't be in the team for too long. Will be replaced by Maddinson, Burns, Hughes or Khawaja ultimately. Siddle and Harris on way out will ultimately be replaced by Patto, Starc, or Bird.
Brett McKay
Expert
Great point on Mike Young, Dizzy, it's no coincidence at all that Australia's fielding as turned around since his involvement. Glenn Mitchell and I touch on this in the Cheap Seats podcast Second Test review, for those interested: http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/12/11/the-cheap-seats-podcast-episode-26-a-gentle-trundle-in-perth/
Manoj
Guest
Good comments Pope
Manoj
Guest
Lyon has ensured that there is no doubting that he is the best spin bowler in the country
Manoj
Guest
Lehman is inspiring confidence in our players, he has turned things around very quickly and we are picking players based on form and not favoritism, all good things.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Be interested to see what you think Mr Gillespie regarding the chat about England being scared. Great player such as Langer, and more recently Hussey, have said it's terrifying facing the fastest. Not something you'd wan to admit whilst playing but with the Sth African battery around the corner might not Warner and Bailey pull their heads in a bit?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Interesting isn't it, do you bat first again, get runs on the board and allow another day or two of rest for the quicks. Or do you send them in and keep the foot on.
Australian Rules
Guest
Fielding is usually the watermark on how a team is going. Mike Young has been sensational for Australian cricket. Bat or bowl at the WACA? Probably a good toss to lose...
Emuarse
Guest
WB, I agree with your comments. The fast bowling trio are all doing their thing, and Lyons is enthusiastic, the batting fraternity are definitely on the improve compared to past performances, wicket-keeping is top notch, and the fielders are really showing intent, even in the way they chase after the ball. There is no way for England to get back into the games this series, unless the Aussies get overconfident; but that wouldn't/shouldn't be an issue until the Ashes are won.
JB
Guest
nice article Dizz, Agree wholeheartedly the fielding pressure is immense particularly for a few of the english batsmen that have limited shot selection. The real test of that enthusiasm will be the body language after a couple of back to back tough sessions which England have failed to produce so far. Can't wait for the WACA c'mon Aussies 3 zip!!!!
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Great piece Dizzy, couldn't agree more regarding the significant improvement in the fielding. Some of the catches at Adelaide were absolutely top shelf. Glad you mentioned Mike Young as I wondered where he went, just shows Boof knows how to bring a team together with the return of Young and McDermott. The team look united and happy which is a far cry from the Northern Summer.