After the calamitous defeat in Hobart, the much-pilloried Australian cricket team has received further criticism in the time since. The subjects of this criticism are the old warhorses, Haddin, Ponting and Hussey. Phil Hughes is already cast aside by the armchair critics, so he is feeling their pity, rather than their scorn at this point in time. Predictably, there have been calls for each of these players to bow out of the team; to make way for a fresh injection of youth. The youth that is apparently battering down the down to selection. However, a quick glance of the Sheffield Shield batting averages reveals that in terms of up-and-coming batsmen, there are very few viable options.
The most obvious is Ed Cowan, a New South Welshman playing for Tasmania. In his last three first class matches, he has made three hundreds. This is on the back of a couple of good seasons for Tasmania, suggesting that he has ability and is currently the form player in the competition. He isn’t a young colt – he will be 30 next year. Another batsman who has been making runs for a few seasons now is Michael Klinger. Unfortunately for Klinger, he is now on the wrong side of 30 and has not received much love from the selectors in recent times, despite big seasons with the South Australian Redbacks. The time may have passed for him, however there will be batting vacancies in the not-too-distant future, so he still has hope. An emerging player is Peter Forrest. He achieved modest success with New South Wales, though did have a good run with the bluebaggers in 2009/10. Having moved to Queensland this season, he has made three hundreds and a 94. Currently topping the runmaking list, he could be a dark horse. At 26, he is one of the younger batting talents in Australia. Interestingly, Dan Christian has made almost as many runs as anyone, with an average of close to 60. Batting at 6 or 7 for South Australia, he is another former New South Welshman making a name for himself in an adopted state. Despite his low position in the batting lineup, he regularly comes to the wicket in pressure situations; such is the diabolical nature of South Australia’s top order.
For now, the changes will not be sweeping. Clarke is a good leader of the team, and should be given time. His batting is top class, and at this stage is the most reliable Australian bat – by some distance. Hussey has a few credits due to a truckload of runs scored in Sri Lanka. Haddin is on very thin ice, due to lacklustre keeping and ill-disciplined batting. Ponting may struggle to survive the summer, however he was showing signs of promise prior to Hobart. Shaun Marsh is very doubtful with injury, and even still, is only a very recent addition to the Test team. He may be overtaken by Ed Cowan, who could come in for the beleagured Hughes. Watson is likely to return in his capacity as a batsman.
On the other hand, the bowling is remarkably secure. The only change that may occur is Ryan Harris coming in for Mitchell Starc. Outside of the squad, there are a number of bowlers who can be called upon, if need be. Hilfenhaus, Peter George, Jackson Bird, Josh Hazelwood, Trent Copeland, et al. What Australian cricket really needs now, is a couple of reliable batsmen, rady to graft and grind their way out of trouble. Less strokemakers, less entertainers, more backs-to-the-wall, doughty and pugnacious resistance fighters in the David Boon mould.
Australian Cricket News 