Aussies can rise from greatest ODI setback
AUSTRALIAN cricket stands humiliated before the world today but don’t feel shocked. This moment has been a year in the making, but just might be the electric prod we need to regain focus in the 50-over format.
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AUSTRALIAN cricket stands humiliated before the world today but don’t feel shocked. This moment has been a year in the making.
And the more acute Australia’s embarrassment at conceding a world record score to England at Trent Bridge becomes, the better it will be for the Australian game.
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Small ground and all, to concede 481 in a 50-over game is a mind-numbing experience and perhaps just the electric shock Australia need to regain their focus in the 50-over format — if indeed they still care deeply about it and that remains a matter of debate.
Australia’s 50-over team, once an all-conquering golden army that used to crush everything in its path, has won two of its past 18 games since last June.
The Nottingham debacle is not a result of the absence of David Warner and Steve Smith, for the rot had set in long before they departed on a one-year ban.
Not even the fact that Australia’s three frontline quicks were missing is a get out of jail card in a format that has slid down the priority list, becoming the bland bread roll sitting beside the spicy entree of Twenty20 and the meat and potatoes of the five-day game.
The contrast between an England team that has rocketed to the top of the world rankings and an Australia team that has slid to No. 6 in the world is one of purpose and mindset, rather than ability.
England, who are yet to win an ICC World Cup and who have been traditionally ordinary in limited-overs cricket, made a mission of improving their coloured-clothes game under Australian coach Trevor Bayliss.
Australia, by contrast, with five World Cups in their trophy cabinet, lost deep interest in the format and turned their 50-over team into a continuing experiment on the way to next year’s World Cup in Britain.
The moment you stop caring deeply about something in international sport is the moment you cop a fist on the chin.
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The 50-over team often seems like a glorified invitation team with players rested, rotated and shuffled up and down the order with little continuity.
Aaron Finch is the classic example. He is a straightforward man with a straightforward plan. He goes in early and smacks the ball over and through a packed infield at a run-a-ball tempo.
It really is surprising that, in England, he is batting at No. 5 and facing the type of bowling he least prefers — spin.
It’s fine to say Australia is experimenting for next year’s World Cup but part of that plan must be to build the self-esteem of a young group of emerging players.
In the wake of the ball-tampering fiasco in South Africa, Australia need every win they can get to restore the faith of a sceptical public.
The statistical freak show that unfolded at Trent Bridge was simply jaw-dropping, not the least being the fact that England hit 21 sixes.
That means the ball was spanked over the rope just less than once every two overs.
You know it’s a bleak day when former India captain Sourav Ganguly, one of the great Aussie-baiters of modern times, took no joy in Australia’s plight.
“To see almost 500 runs scored in 50 overs in England is scaring me about the health of the game,’’ he tweeted.
“Australian bowling getting treated this way whatever the conditions may be, is not acceptable. A country of Lillee, Thomson, Benaud, McGrath, Lee, Warne, McDermott, Gillespie … produce such ordinary stuff is nerve-racking … good bowling is important for the survival of the game.’’
By the time next year rolls around this team is likely to have Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon and Usman Khawaja and it should be capable of rising again.
REMAINING ODI GAMES
Fourth ODI: Chester-le-Street on Wednesday from 11pm.
Fifth ODI: Old Trafford on Sunday from 8pm.
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Opposite paths: Australia and England are going in different directions in cricket’s 50-over game. Picture: Getty Images
Originally published as Aussies can rise from greatest ODI setback
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