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Craig HillAustralian Cricket - The Other Side
July 19th 2006 07:43
With my many biased blogs about England's lack of depth and talent, I thought I'd even things out with an analysis of Australia's side and their apparent 'lack of depth'.
Here are some things to take note:
a) Australia's success over the last 20 odd years in world cricket has been due to the rise of star talent such as Allan Border, the Waugh Brothers, Glenn McGrath, Michael Slater, Mark Taylor, Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting. However, it has been clearly demonstrated that an Australian squad missing key players usually means a sub-par performance. Hence, we've noticed that missing edge in the test arena in the bowling attack without Pidgeon pulling the straps. Quite noticably, our Australian one-day side lack a full-time spinner (Brad Hogg is a terrific spinner but doesn't get a regular run) unlike other international squads such as Sri Lanka, etc.
b) Australia's batting lineup have been shown to horrific collapses if key players are absent or dismissed early. This was illustrated in Australia's lucky escape victory in their 1st test against Bangladesh not so long ago.
c) Without the efforts of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey (of most recent), Australia would have lost a lot more games.
d) Australia's upcoming bowlers have failed to explode (perhaps excluding Stuart Clark). With Glenn McGrath's playing days limited, Australia look to be in a bit of strife to look for a suitable replacement(s).
e) Australia seem to have trouble chasing down measly test match totals ranging between 150-200 runs.
f) Australia fields a fairly 'old' team, with most players being aged in their 30s. Michael Clarke is the only 'youngen' really to be a regular starter in the Baggy Green.
Having said that, the fact Australia thrives on pure brilliance suggests that Australia breeds terrific cricketers, whom with the correct guidance can rise up to occassions if need be. This also advocates the fact that individual brilliance is a key factor in winning a cricket match.
I guess it's a story you can easily take either side, it just depends whether or not you're an Australian supporter or not... or a biased web blogger...
Here are some things to take note:
a) Australia's success over the last 20 odd years in world cricket has been due to the rise of star talent such as Allan Border, the Waugh Brothers, Glenn McGrath, Michael Slater, Mark Taylor, Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting. However, it has been clearly demonstrated that an Australian squad missing key players usually means a sub-par performance. Hence, we've noticed that missing edge in the test arena in the bowling attack without Pidgeon pulling the straps. Quite noticably, our Australian one-day side lack a full-time spinner (Brad Hogg is a terrific spinner but doesn't get a regular run) unlike other international squads such as Sri Lanka, etc.
b) Australia's batting lineup have been shown to horrific collapses if key players are absent or dismissed early. This was illustrated in Australia's lucky escape victory in their 1st test against Bangladesh not so long ago.
c) Without the efforts of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey (of most recent), Australia would have lost a lot more games.
d) Australia's upcoming bowlers have failed to explode (perhaps excluding Stuart Clark). With Glenn McGrath's playing days limited, Australia look to be in a bit of strife to look for a suitable replacement(s).
e) Australia seem to have trouble chasing down measly test match totals ranging between 150-200 runs.
f) Australia fields a fairly 'old' team, with most players being aged in their 30s. Michael Clarke is the only 'youngen' really to be a regular starter in the Baggy Green.
Having said that, the fact Australia thrives on pure brilliance suggests that Australia breeds terrific cricketers, whom with the correct guidance can rise up to occassions if need be. This also advocates the fact that individual brilliance is a key factor in winning a cricket match.
I guess it's a story you can easily take either side, it just depends whether or not you're an Australian supporter or not... or a biased web blogger...
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