The Hindu : Sport : Time for some introspection

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 14, 2005

Sport

Sport

Time for some introspection

Australia lacked the usual spark and self-belief that has been its trademark for so long

STEVE WAUGH

After such a tumultuous and exhilarating Test series, with emotions and opinions out of control, everyone needs to take a step back and take a breather before wielding the axe or apportioning the blame to individuals within the Australian team.

However, as is the case with all losing teams in a full series, someone's head will invariably be on the chopping block while others will have the spotlight pointed in their direction.

Clear thinking minds will be needed at the selection table with the main question being whether it's time for some new blood to be injected or to stay with the current squad that has dominated for so long.

A selector's brief is to keep an eye to the future and ensure that a smooth, seamless transition takes place without disorienting the team too much by making wholesale changes. If it's unavoidable, they have to be sure there is a better option available.

No rhythm from beginning

The Australian squad never got into any sort of rhythm right from the one-day series. It played inconsistent cricket in the belief that things would eventually click and fall into place as it had done in the past.

It appeared as if the team expected to move up that extra gear and pull away from England but instead ran into a team that had plenty of spirit and fire in the belly and one that had studied the Australian way of playing and was going to give as good as it got.

Throughout the Test series Australia lifted its intensity to the accustomed levels only when it was backed into a corner, with the game slipping away, instead of setting the tone and bullying the opposition from ball one.

It lacked the usual spark and self-belief that has been its trademark for so long and that surfaced in the body language, field placements and general intent in the field, culminating in countless missed chances.

This is the area selectors must address and I'm sure they will consider livening things by injecting a fresh face or two in the quest to energise the team.

Players whose name will come up in animated discussion might be Gillespie, Kasprowicz, Hayden, Martyn, Katich and Gilchrist.

All embarked on the tour full of confidence and ambition but for whatever reason didn't aim up in the usual manner. They are all class players and worthy of their spots but the succession planning of the selectors would have seen them earmark a rough order before the tour and if their names were on the horizon, the process may be fast-tracked courtesy of the loss.

Personally I don't believe that wholesale changes will or need to occur but if one or two of the above mentioned continue to fall below expectations, then Merv Hughes might wish he didn't put his hand up for the job!

Bigger issue

The bigger issue of replacing Warne (far and away our best bowler this series) and McGrath looms large on the horizon and while their absence will bring pain, we must all remember that the game is bigger than any individual and that someone will step in make a name for themselves when given a chance.

England's victory will no doubt breathe life into world cricket with the other teams seeing Australia's invincibility vanish and the aura that accompanies that mantle disappearing.

Fear will be replaced by expectation and intimidation met with confrontation while the mental games in the media won't have the same effect as before.

For many in current side, losing is a new experience as might be the examination of their games and reputations.

The simple answer for the Australian team to return to the winner's circle is to first get away from cricket for a couple of weeks and clear their minds followed by some `back-to-basics' work with focus on the fielding. In most games, the team that fields with purpose and intent usually wins because it is a direct reflection on the hunger and attitude of the group.

Hard work lies ahead but that's the way it should be and that's what makes a team number one. Australia won't abdicate the crown without a fight even though the Pommies have it perched on their heads right now.

Gameplan

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