What lessons can we learn from Australian Cricket?

Bro. Nimal GURUSINGHE

As we know the Australians won the I.C.C. Champions Trophy very convincingly. They played quality cricket and showed the world that they are superior to other cricketing nations.

They won all their matches except one against India. Due to rain the match ended in a no decision. I am sure if they played that particular match to a finish, Australia would have carried all before them.

Why did this Australian team become so strong and difficult to beat? In their own country there is a concrete plan for their cricket.

They always prefer to include young blood into their national side. Also their 'A' team is as good as their first team. More than five of their 2007 World Cup winning side have retire from Test and Limited over cricket. But still they have enough talent to feed the National team.

Australian selectors need not depend on old horses, because they have prepared enough young talent to walk into the shoes of senior players.

Most of their senior cricketers know when to retire and they do it gracefully.

The best part of it, is they hang their boots when they are in top form. They love their country and they want to give the youngsters a place and build up their national team.

By making way to up and coming cricketers they make sure that their national team is always a champion out fit. Also we could see the Australian Cricket Board selectors and players giving top priority to the country.

Then it is natural that their Cricket is always far above other countries. When people are not money hungry or power crazy they could give their best to the job they perform.

Why cannot our Interim Committee learn something from the Australian Cricket Board.

Our senior cricketers should follow the footsteps of Australian cricket veterans and retire with their heads high that will make way for young blood.

Also it will help our country to form a formidable side. Australian selectors are not afraid to show the red card to a player who is not delivering the goods.

They are men of some principles. They do not bow down to any politicians or any external power.

If a player is talented and performs well he can enter the national side. Can we say that the same thing is happening in our country? Sometimes our selectors try to please the politicians or their favourites. By doing so they bring the standard of cricket very low.