Every thing that is old should be new again, when it comes to the rescuing of the first-class cricket scene in Australia.
Firstly, let us establish that first class cricket, ODIs and T20s are only related by a vague de facto relationship. More accurately by proximity. That’s about all.
The embarrassing performances of the Australian Test team, particularly in relation to the batting, can very simply be explained away – poor technique and temperament.
Forget the ODI and T20 performances, that isn’t Test cricket, where occupation of the crease is everything. There is no technique or stability at the top of the top of the order!
One can only but dream of the Simpson-Lawry or Langer-Hayden times.
The contrast between the Aussies and the South Africans is as wide as the Nullabor Plain. The South Africans have far better technique and fighting qualities. They are playing Australia on our own turf and conditions and showing us how to do it.
The fundamental concept of batting is either playing forward or back, not from the popping crease as many of the Australian batters are doing. This results in them being caught in “no man’s land” and in big trouble and that is where many of the Aussies are to be found.
Hashim Amla is a wonderful example of excellent foot work and openers, Alastair Cook and Dean Elgar show all the fighting qualities required for Test cricket.
Twice in consecutive innings Australia has collapsed badly. The true worth of an opening batsman is not recognised until they fail. David Warner has only got past 50 twice in his last 11 Test innings.
Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns they come and they go. There is no stability at the top of the order.
The solution to the problem should be in the younger up-and-coming players, with technique. But where are they? Gone missing.
Ever since the selection of a mature Michael Hussey, the selectors have lost foresight and filled holes with Chris Rogers, Adam Voges and now Callum Ferguson.
Short term solutions, to long term problems. Was Ian Chappell and Shane Warne’s selections, at an early age, a gamble, sure they were, but did they pay-off? Big time I would suggest.
The standard of Sheffield Shield cricket has slipped, as the majority of the Test squad play very little Shield cricket due to rest and other commitments.
The changing of the points-scoring system in the Shield competition, with no points being awarded for a first innings lead, has virtually turned the Shield competition into a slogfest in searching for an outright decision, in four days.
A century scored from 120 balls faced may be a great way to achieve a Shield result, but is certainly not good preparation for the combativeness of Test cricket.
Runs have to be earned in a five day Test match, not slogged. The South Africans are patient, methodical and have a detailed plan of attack. They admit to this.
The same can be said for their bowling. Patience, accuracy, they are prepared to work with the concept of it being a war of attrition. They are happy to wear the batsmen down.
Sheffield Shield cricket is no longer a good preparation for Test cricket, and certainly isn’t a good predictor of success at Test level.
The influence of ODI and T20 is having a huge influence on Australia’s Test performances.
The money making success of ODIs and T20 cricket may be a lucrative carrot for both players and administrators alike, but it may well be in the process of killing off the real game.
Stuart B
Roar Rookie
T20 is just a sausage machine for grinding out endless hours of TV 'content'. It doesn't matter who the performers are or what they do as long as the advertisers are happy. I have countless vivid memories of Test matches. Who remembers anything at all that happened in a T20 game more than five minutes ago? Who remembers what happened in series 3 of Big Brother? T20 is like watching the Wiggles playing backyard cricket while a shitty pub band rehearses in the background. And it's not even the classic Wiggles--it's the new ones that nobody recognises.
Matthew H
Guest
These things will change over time. I am currently over 40 and although a decent youth player with equal numbers I was better off the back foot which was considered inferior to front foot strength (at least in my state), then the worm turned and I thought what if, now the concept of technique appears to be rather loose. I am sure it will change again, and again etc. I do believe though that each state (even district) has its own flavour to an extent, this is where the domestic comp really helps to see what is working best (aside of course from the national scholarship guys - not sure that's really all that great, surely a bit of a slap in the face to the state associations, maybe a year is ok).
peeeko
Roar Guru
i doubt some of your comments here. i dont think you can say the standard of the shield is slipping or test players are not playing as much as they used to. How come SA can play red ball when they also play white ball. Maybe we just arent that good? Warner s a streaky player like Sehwag
anon
Guest
If I were an up and coming cricketer I would focus my energy in becoming a great T20 player rather than a great first class player. Just look at domestic cricket in Australia. In domestic T20 you can play in front of crowds up to 80,000 people and parlay that success into a lucrative stint in the IPL playing in front of massive crowds for massive money. You don't even have to be that "good" to make big IPL money, just marketable. Just look at first class cricket in Australia. Played in front of 20 people on a good day. Even test cricket attendances are dire The audience is completely bored with first class cricket and completely enthralled with T20. Sure this pink ball gimmick will get some extra punters through the gate this week, but in a few years time people will be asking themselves "why would I go to a day-night test when I can just go to a T20 match". The T20 is cheaper and much more entertaining.
matth
Guest
Couldn't agree more. My son is only a modest talent but he can stick once he's in. The only advice he has ever got from his coaches is to try and score faster.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Yep, I was gutted that Sunday got rained out in Hobart because I had organised to go with some mates. The best match we had been given in years and I couldn't see it live. I remember being astounded at the pace of the ball when I first sat side on to watch Shaun Tait. I still don't know how anyone can hit something travelling that fast.
lilbob
Roar Rookie
Spot on Rellum, especially that last comment. I have been banned from helping my 9yo with his batting from now on, because he said his coach told him he was doing it all wrong, i.e. all the basics I was taught. I watch him now, and if he tucked his pants into long socks and was allowed to swap his helmet for his b/ball cap, I swear you'd hear the umpire call 'Batter Up', and you'd start looking for the nearest hot-dog stand.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Outstanding idea, I'd love a Sheffield Shield channel. I don't think short form cricket is destroying the game necessarily, but the obvious focus on short form cricket is certainly changing how the new generations are playing the game. Nobody seems to have patience any more. I know my batting coach would have crucified me if I dared to clear my front leg and swing away. Onside I get to the ground as often as possible to watch a game. TV does not really do it justice. Did you ever sit side on the the pitch and watch Binga in his heyday?? Ever wonder just how fast a ball comes over the fence when a Hayden of Warner flat bats a six?? TV coverage is great (if you mute those bloody annoying channel 9 commentators) but it's nothing on attending a game.
Rellum
Roar Guru
There is a massive difference in technique that has happened over the last 10-15 years. Go look at vids Matty Hayden, Martin Love, Ricky Ponting or Matthew Elliot. Nearly every thing is different to what you will see the guys playing for the Test team tomorrow will produce. Back foot shots are a huge point of difference, Modern players pull of the front foot. This gets them into trouble if the ball rises on them. The stance is incredibly different. It resembles more of a baseball stance now, trying to fit into the new buzz term, 360 deg batting. Bats are up now as the bowler runs in, they used to be resting on the deck until the bowlers delivery stride. I am of the school of though that the bat up technique leads to more leadened foot work. Stances are wider and of course they plonk the front foot down the wicket confident in their gear and the limited short balls and movement off the pitch.. All of this and more comes from junior coaching which has had some influence from T20 batting. I think some of it is a fad.
Billary Swamper
Guest
Problem with white ball cricket is no one gives a stuff about the results. They count for little. It's just a slog-a-thon. The game is in serious trouble if that is where it's future is. The sport is making it's own noose.
Anthony Condon
Roar Pro
Yeah, I mean, look at how terrible India are... I think the problem is the attitude of the test team, not the short game.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Even the most expensive dishwasher can't wash everything. At least in countries where it is still given a high profile, test cricket remains the pinnacle of the game in the eyes of the players and genuine fans. I'd love to see CA push for one of the 43 pointless tv channels we currently have to show the Shield, or at the very least a highlights show. Couldn't be any worse than re-runs of MASH or Everybody Loves Raymond.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Yet the footage of the England India series seems to have shown plenty of days with full stadiums.
Onside
Guest
Test cricket is an anachronism. Like using steel wool when there's a dish washing machine. In addition, nobody has time to watch a 4 day Sheffield Shield game, or a 5 day Test match. Test cricket is played in huge concrete stadiums where seating is 100 metres from the pitch. Most people watch the game on a huge television screen ..............................and so it goes.