Australia's phenomenal cricket talent from the '90s highlights the present dearth of talent

Our domestic 4 day game, once the strongest in world cricket has been in decline for some years now. So much so, that many, including some in selection positions consider limited overs runs, as the preferred indicator of possible test success. Players substituted mid game by Howard's High Performance processes make is ridiculous. The domestic comp's credibility is weakened further by CA directing who state teams can play in their teams and what their roles in the team will be. You don't even have to get started, Rellum. I hear you, my friend. I hear you.

It comes down to the destruction of the once great pathway that used to exist to the now "potential obsessed over managed system we have now. I have harped on about it enough on this site and I can't be bothered tonight to do it again :). There is probably also a small drop off in talent compared to then as League and Aussie Rules have attracted more kids that could have been great cricketers.

1994-95 in a series including England and Zimbabwe. I imagine it was to cover the public disinterest in the Zimbabwe games although I doubt England being knocked out was expected. However, it was a most pleasing bonus.

A quick look at batting performances reveals the current shortage in Australian first class cricket. Despite drop in pitches leading to less lively wickets, batting averages are considerable lower for those in contention for test selection than they used to be. For example, Lehmann only played 27 tests despite a FC average over 57, Brad Hodge played only 6 tests with his FC average almost 49. Martin Love - 5 tests with a FC average almost 50.Chris Rogers played one test as a replacement for the injured Hayden but had to wait until he was almost 37 to get picked again despite averaging 50 domestically. David Hussey... not a baggy green for love or money, or his FC average over 52. Now, despite flatter pitches for most shield matches since 2013, (I concede the extra grass for pink ball games, assists bowlers, but all our shield pitches used to be lively on day one. Well, all except Adelaide Oval), FC class batsmen averaging low 40's are strong contenders for test batting spots. What has changed in the past 5 - 10 years that has even our best modern batsmen more mediocre than good when the ball moves off gun barrel straight. Flat tracks and modern bats have led to minimum footwork and hitting through the line. This is ok until the ball starts moving around and then loose techniques and poor footwork are found out. Add to this technical deficiency, the apparent focus to score very quickly regardless of the state of the game and poor shot selections abound. Yet, a quickfire 30 is regarded as a good knock, even on day one of 4 day game. Its not a good innings. Is a waste of a start and its just not good enough. Perhaps, we need to stop over praising our batsmen for looking good and place more value in big FC scores (hundreds) in tough conditions, rather than quick runs on perfect batting strips. Save that praise for the lead up to limited overs series.

Again though, when you're lineup is Langer, Hayden, Ponting, Clarke, etc, getting even one game is going to be hard. I think if you look back through the past 20 years of Australian batsmen, there are quite a few who would be stronger contenders now, but were unlucky to be born when they were, in terms of playing for Australia. Mike Hussey's brother David springs to mind. Andrew Symonds would be number 6 for the next dozen seasons, Wade Seacombe would our keeper, etc.

I think you need to put this into context, Giri. Many nations in world cricket has come across the same phenomenon; Sri Lanka right now are struggling compared to where they were 10 years ago, the West Indies in the 70's and 80's had at least 2 Test quality fast bowling attacks and many fine batsmen unable to make the side and the Sth Africans were immensely strong in the late 90's/early 2000's. The Indian side is in this same position right now, especially with its batting. The simple reason why we aren't as strong now as then is because the Australian side you refer to almost picked itself. Most players managed at least 100 Tests, so fringe players like Law, Lehman, etc, had to wait which increased the quality players in the talent pool. Once the long term players started to retire, these other guys got a chance, but that started the drain on the talent pool. Everyone is hoping Australia will create a similar team of long term players over the coming years, so our talent pool can be "re-stocked", so to speak.

I seem to recall it was once against Tubby Taylor's side.

how many years did the a team play? was it once or twice?