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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

What have Australia been doing as England rise to No 1 in cricket?

 I don’t sit here and believe I can get the whole of this country to like me, people are always going to have their own views, but for me it’s about respect.


June 2011
Simon Katich, one of Australia's most consistent Test batsmen over the last three seasons, launches a withering attack on Australia's Test selectors, describing their inconsistent policies and decision to cut him from the list of 25 centrally contracted players as "absolutely ridiculous".


July 2011
Australia produce shock by calling up Adelaide groundsman Nathan Lyon for tour to Sri Lanka. Chief selector Andrew Hilditch concedes that the offspinner is the "surprise selection" after just four first-class matches. However he does take 5-34 on Test debut in Galle.


August 2011
Australia respond to their Ashes thrashing by copying England’s Schofield Report model with their own Argus Review, recommending the appointment of a powerful coach in the mould of Andy Flower to rebuild the team. The Argus Review's key findings include handing increased responsibilities to the captain and coach and the creation of a five-man selection panel with a full-time national selector.


Meanwhile, Australian cricketers' relationship with Greg Chappell, the national talent manager, disintegrates and sees him banned from the team dressing room. Chappell is described as a "caustic" influence in the Australian media.


September 2011


Before Australia's series win over Sri Lanka, CA places an ad in The Weekend Australian as they search for a full-time chairman of selectors. Jamie Cox's departure means that all four of Australia's selection panel for the Ashes series have moved on.


Tim Neilsen, unhappy at having to reapply for his position, becomes the final victim of England’s Ashes victory after standing down as Australia coach. The question now is whether Cricket Australia appoint from abroad. Meanwhile, Neilsen says:


 For 15 years before it was Australia doing it to other teams, and they had to lick their wounds. Now we have to lick our own.


October 2011


Former Wallaby rugby player Pat Howard is appointed as general manager with the aim to lead Australia out of the Test doldrums. A qualified pharmacist, Howard's commercial experience includes his current role as chief operating officer of Cromwell Property Group and he is a former board member of the Rugby Union Players Association. "It is a great opportunity for anybody interested in sports leadership," he says.


November 2011


Yes, it was a remarkable Test match but one that highlighted Australia's continued deficiencies. South Africa completed the humiliation of Australia by easing to an eight wicket victory in Cape Town. In doing so, they became only the second team in 60 years to win a Test after being bowled out for a first innings total lower than 100. Australia had been bowled out for 47, their lowest total for 108 years.


 Every single one of us needs to be disappointed, for good reason.
Michael Clarke.


December 2011


Australia bid to address its batting woes - Clarke's side lost eight wickets for 74 as New Zealand won for the first time on Aussie soil since 1985 - with a three-day 'batting boot camp' ahead of India series. Leading the lines will be Ricky Ponting, who will go into the camp a day after his 37th birthday, along with 36 year-old Mike Hussey, skipper Michael Clarke and allrounder Shane Watson.

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