by from_the_stands » Tue Aug 11, 2015 2:36 am
Nice work, Sussex, a thorough and thought provoking overview of the series and the state of the game in general. I too share the concern about the future of Test cricket, and this current series has far from been a satisfactory example of our great game. Repercussion wise, there will be changes in the Australian team, allowing the next generation to filter through. James Sutherland has promised a review (again), and Ian Chappell has called for an overhaul of the domestic system in Australia (sigh). Rod Marsh is under the spotlight, with suggestions that Mark Waugh should be elevated to the position of chief selector.
I guess the casualties that do occur during Ashes contests is indicative to how important this contest is to both teams. It's always a bit sad when a warrior falls for the last time in these battles, but unfortunately there can only be one winner, and England have really done themselves proud in a series they were expected to lose. For Michael Clarke, it's a great shame that his Test career will end in defeat, and given what has transpired over the past 12 months, I'm sure he's looking forward to some off.
It is true that the Australians arrived in the UK with high expectations, and that perhaps they were expecting things to happen by magic. The first Test may have been written off as a bad game, especially after the performance at Lord's, but the next 2 Tests are arguably our worst back-to-back performances ever, and really, there's no excuse for it.
The Adam Voges selection has been the topic of much discussion in the light of this defeat. I wasn't surprised that he was selected, although disappointed that Joe Burns wasn't. The Voges selection was with the Ashes in mind, otherwise he might not have been selected at all. The punt didn't pay off, it was worth a shot, but no cigar. I don't see this as a slight on the talent coming through the system, rather the selectors wanted someone in form, and someone with extensive experience playing in England. I do see Voges being dropped after this series however, for a much younger player.
The dropping of Brad Haddin has also caused a stir. For me, it must have been a tough call, but the fact is that Haddin has slowed down and Peter Nevill was a better option. Too much has been made about this, IMHO. Sure, the players support each other, but the reality of cricket is that you have to pick the team that gives you the best chance of winning, and unfortunately for Brad Haddin, he was no longer the first choice.
Darren Lehmann is coping some heat too, and perhaps deservedly so. The lacksadaisical approach to this tour has been worrying, especially with the WAG's in tow, effectively turning the tour into a travelling circus. There's been too much twittering and other such distractions and not enough focus, and that's Lehmann's fault. As for the defeat itself, let me put it this way; in Australian Rules Football, when a team loses by over 100 points, it's sack the coach time. In Test cricket, being bowled out in 18.3 with the Ashes on the line, it should be sack the entire coaching staff, the players, the selectors, and the pilot of the plane who flew the team over to England! Lehmann will keep his job, however, for now, although he won't won't to lose in Bangladesh. I'd love to see Mike Hussey involved in coaching, which I'm sure will happen at some point.
Going forward, I reckon Australia have some very exciting prospects in domestic ranks awaiting their chance on the international stage. With some forced changes on the horizon, we might see some of these players blossom into superstars... or not. With Steve Smith at the helm, I'm pretty sure we'll see a competitive Australian side (on home soil at least).
"Hey, doll. Could you scare up another round for our table over here? And tell the cook this is low grade dog food. I've had better food at the ballgame, you know? This steak still has marks from where the jockey was hitting it." Al Czervik, aka Rodney Dangerfield in "Caddyshack" (1980)
2009 India vs SL ODI prediction guru
2010 Australia vs Pakistan Test Prediction guru
2012 Big Bash fantasy guru
2013 Big Bash fantasy guru
2017 IPL fantasy guru