All is not well within the Australian cricket since the ball-tampering episode came to fore during the Test series against South Africa last year. More so, the things have only worsened after Australia’s first Test series loss to India this past week. Former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Shane Warne have come down heavily on the current state of affairs.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said, “If you think Australia’s problems will be solved the moment Steve Smith and David Warner are available for selection again then you are wrong.”
Here's what Michael Vaughan had to say:
“If you think Australia’s problems will be solved the moment Steve Smith and David Warner are available for selection again then you are wrong."
Strong stuff from @MichaelVaughan: https://t.co/AIsZjpy9Wa pic.twitter.com/crDehLNMYQ
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) January 7, 2019
Former Australian cricketer Shane Warne went a step ahead and blistered the culture and association. Warne agreed with Vaughan and was left wondering as to why is Australia not producing quality smart cricketers.
Shane wrote a message on his Twitter profile says, “Unfortunately, I have to agree with @MichaelVaughan here Jnr. Yes, Warner & Smith will help, but Aust cricket needs a complete overhaul re the following. Coaching at all levels, the ridiculous under 23 programme, academy etc. As we are not producing quality smart cricketers-why?”
Here's what Shane Warne had to say:
Unfortunately, I have to agree with @MichaelVaughan here Jnr. Yes Warner & Smith will help, but Aust cricket needs a complete overhaul re the following. Coaching at all levels, the ridiculous under 23 programme, academy etc. As we are not producing quality smart cricketers-why ? https://t.co/ZBBYToJl7O
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 8, 2019
Mark Waugh, the former Australian batsman and selector, had a difference of opinion and said that things would be different if two of their best players are removed. Waugh said that it would make a huge difference. Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli Trolled on Twitter for Saying India’s Test Series Win in Australia Bigger Than World Cup Victories; View Funny Messages.
Waugh opined, “I’m not so sure about that Mr Vaughan. Assuming Warner and Smith get back to somewhere near their best, I’m suggesting they will make a huge difference. You take the two best batsmen out of any cricket team in the world and see what happens or even one, i.e. Virat Kohli, Joe Root, or Kane Williamson etc.”
Here's what Mark Waugh had to reply:
I’m not so sure about that Mr.Vaughan. Assuming Warner and Smith get back to somewhere near there best I’m suggesting they will make a huge difference. You take the 2 best batsmen out of any cricket team in the world and see what happens or even 1. Kohli, Root, Williamson etc.
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) January 8, 2019
Recently, India’s historic 2-1 victory against Australia Down Under moved the spotlight from underperforming players to their selection panel. Currently, chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns, coach Justin Langer and national talent manager Greg Chappell are in the selection panel. Virat Kohli Becomes First Indian and Asian Captain to Win a Test Series in Australia, Twitter Reacts to Team India’s Historic Feat.
David Warner and Steve Smith have been missing from Australia’s line-up, owing to their 12-month bans in March last year, and things have not been smooth for Australia in the previous year. With ICC World Cup and Ashes series lined up for Australia in 2019, it will be exciting to see what corrective measures are taken up by Cricket Australia!
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2019 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).