The Hindu : Sport : India can learn a lot from Australia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 11, 2006

Sport

Sport

India can learn a lot from Australia

Greg Chappell's lack of sentiment is both a strength and a weakness. His quest for a better way is endless.

PETER ROEBUCK

India must be closely following recent events in Australian cricket. Nor is the interest limited to rivalry between nations that have in recent years been involved in several epic series. Rather the Indians may feel that they march a mere step behind the Australians and can therefore learn much from the decisions taken, and mistakes made, by the guardians of the game in that vast and proud land. Defeat has a way of concentrating the mind.

In some respects the teams have much in common. Both remain strong but have passed their peaks. Selectors yearn to introduce fresh players yet fear that newcomers may take time to settle. In the meanwhile poor results may undermine their authority. Perhaps, too, talent is thin on the ground. A hundred players may prosper in domestic cricket but which will survive more rigorous examination? It is not always possible to turn over a stone and to unearth another Ricky or Sachin.

Emotions also play a part in the reconstruction. Always the hardest part is to ring the bell on an ageing outfit that has provided stout service and secured a loyal following. Long-serving players are treasured by the populace. Selectors cannot afford such luxuries. Greg Chappell's lack of sentiment is both a strength and a weakness. His quest for a better way is endless.

Pragmatic approach

Australians take a more pragmatic approach to sport than most peoples. Supporters may admire a player but the community is more interested in victory and defeat. The loss of the Ashes provoked a demand for action. A commitment was made to building a side strong enough to get them back.

To that end the selectors did not hesitate to experiment. Dismayed not too much by the loss as its manner, they ditched several senior players and introduced the pick of the reserves. It was ruthlessness writ large. After a single, narrow defeat, one of the most feared outfits the game has known was taken apart.

On the surface the experiment has failed. After several months spent giving opportunities to various contenders, the selectors have effectively restored the side beaten in England. Damien Martyn has ousted Brad Hodge, whose habit of playing away from his body was deemed to be a liability against strong attacks, Michael Kasprowicz has been restored. That Jason Gillespie and Andrew Bichel were his closest contenders tells the story. Michael Clarke has been recalled after a few matches on the sidelines.

Changes worked

Accordingly the Australians will start the forthcoming series in Africa with much the same side that was subdued in England. And yet in some respects the changes worked. Complacency was destroyed. Every player was put on notice. Matthew Hayden responded by working harder for his runs. Martyn looked sharper in every way. His recall confirms that dumped older players need not collect their pensions. Gillespie has tried to regain his venom. Brett Lee has relished his responsibilities.

Australia also changed the balance of its side to accommodate a fifth bowler, or in its case a part-time seamer. Tame pitches and limited attacks mean that an extra bowler has often been needed. Given the chance to secure a regular place, Andrew Symonds has performed fitfully. If he falters, Australia will resume playing six batsmen.

By retaining its own core of high-class players, and demanding immediate results from the rest, India has been adopting the same approach. Laxman, Zaheer, Nehra, Agarkar have been dropped, and others will follow. Now the ball is in their court. They, too, must bounce back. Cricketers must score runs or take wickets, or find another occupation.

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