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Joined April 2015
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Okay, I am going to say what I have wanted to say for ages. So what? They have the behaviour of thugs, but that is not going to change. If they aren’t using prejudicial language and don’t act violently, then so what? I remember when Ricky Ponting tried to bring in good behaviour. The result was loss after loss for the team. The biggest issue for the Australian Team is renewal, something that has been an issue since at least 2001 (That’s how long I have been banging on about it). Too many players over 30 amongst the three national men’s teams, not enough opportunity for young players and we still are still in a rebuilding stage since Langer, Martyn, Warne and McGrath left us after Ashes 06-07!
We need Haddin to have a young successor who can last at least 5 years (so not Paine or anyone over 30!). That leave Vic Matthew Wade who turns 28 on Boxing Day this year and 24 year old Pommy-born Sam Whiteman. Shane Watson, Fawad Ahmed, Chris Rogers, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh are all over 30. Peter Nevill is turning 30 at the end of October. So who is in the squad who is under 30? Smith, Hazelwood, Starc, Mitchell Marsh, Warner and Lyons. No Burns, Cummins, Pattinson, Wade, Faulkner, Maxwell, Maddinson or Silk. Now fitness may be the reason for some of them. Form may be an argument.
But honestly, with such a wealth of experience, we couldn’t drop a few guys to put in some youth? Let us not forget poor Phil Hughes, who was never given an opportunity. How he shall be missed as he always will. I hope his family are doing ok after their horrific loss. What about Usman Khawaja, who was dropped enough that he is now too old and out of form to be back, turning 29 around the end of the year? We need renewal to avoid the West Indies fate! If Steve Smith leads an aggressive team and wins, then great! I would rather he did that, then captain a team of weak, good two shoes and lose badly! Cricket is not now nor in its history (read about the early NSW gambling schedules or the 1926 Deciding Ashes Test) been a gentleman’s game even with the odd King, Lord and gentry amateur cricketer playing. I just want a sport where my country can win! Especially after enduring our economic woes thanks to 8 years of mismanagement (please don’t reply to that)! Go Steve Smith, you ripper!
Steve Smith the man to win back Australia's cricketing respect
All family men would prefer that. But perhaps the bigger issues in cricket should be addressed first. Changes to the lbw rules to make it fairer for bowlers, stiffer punishments for time wasting (one of the bigger issues in cricket for me) and eradicating all forms of match/spot fixing. As well as raising the associate nations (particularly Ireland and Afghanistan) into the upper areas of the game to avoid any disasters like Kenya and Zimbabwe. I think those issues are far greater than whether or not people like Brad Haddin (who may have retired from ODIs and hopefully will soon be out of the Test Team) give people ridiculous send-offs.
Wouldn’t you rather than your son has every opportunity to legitimately take a wicket rather than worry about whether he is using naughty language? Honestly I doubt that most cricketers would carry on like Haddin, but a more pressing issue is giving bowlers a chance. I hope that your son enjoys cricket as much as my family and I do. And if you are looking for role models, Steve Waugh might be a sledger but he has been deeply involved in charitable work in India. I am unaware of whether Brendon McCullum has done the same. Wouldn’t you rather your son was a good man who cares for others like Steve Waugh rather than a quiet man who doesn’t help others? Again maybe McCullum does charity, but Waugh’s contribution is well known and legendary. And he has motivated others to do the same. I hope at least that in your next article, you acknowledge that.
Steve Smith the man to win back Australia's cricketing respect