It would be fair to say that Australian cricket isn’t exactly riding high at the moment. The recent T-20 thrashings away to The West Indies & Bangladesh and last Summer’s 2nd consecutive home series loss to India has sparked much debate on whether Australian cricket has the system in place to once again top the world rankings.
The 2020/21 test series was the strangest I can remember – the ups & downs were riveting but it seemed to have a sense of destiny.
It took until the third test before Australia could muster more than 200 & apart from the scarcely believable afternoon in Adelaide when they were bowled out in 21 overs, India made at least 244 in each of their completed innings. Australia’s innings’ totals improved as India’s bowling ranks were steadily depleted by injury but they were never able to nail the big totals required to set up the matches. Similarly, despite sustained periods of hostile & accurate fast bowling, after that first test the Australian attack was not able to put India away. The usual recipe that has brought regular success in home conditions was rendered impotent by some tremendously gritty batting that delivered India the most famous of underdog victories – good for cricket, just not so good for Australian cricket. Rather than any technical deficiency, it was a lack of tactical imagination and grasp of the key moments that largely contributed to the team’s inability to convert their advantage in the 3rd test and the loss of the 4th.
Former Australian wicket keeper Brad Haddin originally from Canberra returns to the crease for ACT in a one off game after retiring from International cricket
Rishabh Pant is such a tonic for the game and whilst I love watching his fearless attack at all costs batting, he is clearly the luckiest player I have ever seen. His audacious batting won a test, a series & sank a nation’s prestige. With so few non-international matches on tours these days, perhaps it takes this sort of performance to win away from home.
The Indian squad showed amazing depth. As injuries mounted players with very little prior international experience came into the team and performed their roles with aplomb in the most difficult conditions a sub-continental player can face. One of the talking points in the wake of this loss is the huge discrepancy in the number of first class players boasted by the respective countries. Whilst obviously there will never be as many Australian cricketers as Indian, there is merit in the proposal to expand the number of first class players in the Australian set-up.
Australia hardly need to re-invent the wheel as The Sheffield Shield has been the most successful producer of test cricketers in the history of the game. Part of that success is because it means something. It is a significant competition in its own right whose results are important, not just to the players but to all followers of cricket in the respective states whether they attend the games or not. The passionate and vocal crowds that attended Queensland’s victory in last season’s final is evidence of this. Perhaps Cricket Australia do not fully appreciate the worth of interstate cricket.
NSW is clearly the strongest cricketing state but include a second NSW side or a cricket academy team and the competition loses its authenticity – it relegates a hard-fought contest & source of pride for the states to little more than a selection trial. If Cricket Australia doesn’t value the Shield (& one-day competition) then it is basically averring that the result of any game of cricket played in Australia that doesn’t involve the national side is unimportant.
The obvious solution is to expand the Sheffield Shield & One Day competitions to include a team from The ACT. ACT teams have always competed in national under age championships, Manuka Oval has already hosted a test match and The Brumbies & Raiders have proven that Canberra is a good base for successful sporting teams in national competitions. In addition to providing a first class team for the territory’s finest players, undoubtedly it would also would attract many NSW country players. Wagga for example is 3 hours away and players from these two cities alone in the 80’s & 90’s include Geoff Lawson, Mark Taylor, Greg Rowell, Michael Bevan, Michael Slater & Brad Haddin. The less daunting size of the city & cheaper cost of living would also make Canberra an attractive alternative to Sydney for aspiring players.
There is a school of thought that there are not enough players of first class standard in the country to fill an extra 15 or 20 spots but obviously players’ standards improve when they are able to train full time in first class facilities and play against first class competition. The inevitable influx of aspiring interstate players together with stemming the exodus of its finest local players will also improve the standard of the Canberra competition. This in itself means that all ACT club cricketers will benefit not just those who receive contracts.
Australian cricket is certainly richer for the inclusion of Tasmania in The Sheffield Shield in 1977 (& as a full participant in 1979.) In the period since the state has produced 14 home-grown players who have represented Australia including 2 test captains. Would this have necessarily been the case if these players had no choice but to leave family & friends and move to a new city to compete against established players for limited spots?
The time is right for another Comet sighting.
About Dean Tuckwell
Former premiership first grade player with Western Suburbs in Queensland Premier Cricket Dean opened The Adventure Traveller in 2000.
In this crazy year it is important to support small business. With 30 years’ experience in the travel industry Dean has preferred arrangements with many suppliers, access to online deals not available to the public and a wealth of knowledge to ensure you get the most out of your trip so even if you only require a flight or accommodation, give him a call on 1800 181 020 or visit The Adventure Traveller
Join the cricket network to promote your business and expertise. Make it easy for people to search and find the people and services they need through people they know and trust.
Join the network
