Quite a few events have taken place over the last few days in the Australian cricket scene.
Most importantly is the upsetting news that Craig McDermott has quit as Australia's bowling coach. It's a huge loss after the terrific work he did with the bowlers. He focused on the fundamentals, redeveloped the foundation for our bowlers and then built things up by focusing on each and every bowlers core skills and how they could execute their abilities as a team. The results show.
He's been given plenty of public support from the players and I wish him all the best as he has clearly done a brilliant job. Cricket Australia has a huge void to fill!
The reason given for Craig's departure was purely due to the demands of touring and the overall work schedule which was affecting his family commitments. Family comes first in life and if you have the opportunity to walk away feeling you've done a damn good job at what your were doing and can afford the chance to have some time out, go for it.
It interesting though as I figured with his knowledge having played cricket (although in a different era) he would know the demands and that the support staff share the same demands as the players. In any case his decision has been made.
For more information regarding his departure, here's the official article at Cricket Australia: Click here.
Now, for the Squad announcements - Australian ODI Squad and Australia A Squad.
What are your opinions?
I am really pleased with the ODI squad. The fact I am a little upset some players weren't included in the side over some players, at the same time I feel it's great because it shows the depth that has been brewing in our limited overs setup for some time. The key is that these guys show some guts and play their hearts out!
I am excited that Mitchell Johnson has been recalled. A few months back I wrote a heartfelt piece that expressed my unquestionable belief that he has the goods to deliver for us in ODI cricket. My opinion differs come Test cricket, but Mitch is an extremely talented sportsman and throwing him out the system would just be plain stupid, so well done to Mr Inverarity and his cronies.
He hasn't played a lot of cricket in a while but with the right preparations and the return of passion for his cricket, I am certain Mitchy will come out to give it his absolute best for the UK Tour.
Steven Smith has shown a big step up during the IPL and did get some strong performances behind his name during the summer having been dropped from the team a while back. A part of me feels he could be held back a while longer but he'll be stepping in as the chosen all rounder to fill in for Dan Christian who did not make a recall to the side.
Patrick Cummins is back in which is great news! Can't wait to see him cruising in to pick up his Australian career again. Hope the injuries keep at bay.
Anyways, here's the Squad:
Michael Clarke (captain), Shane Watson, George Bailey, Pat Cummins, Xavier Doherty, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Clint McKay, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade (wk), David Warner.
As for the Australia A, here's their announced squad which sees the return of Tim Paine (adding the competition in the wicket keeper zone) and is a wonderful blend of experience and youth. It's setting a great example moving forward and looking at this side on paper it really does uplift my confidence seeing Australian cricket move forward.
Australia A Squad to tour the UK:
Ed Cowan (capt), Peter Forrest (vc) , George Bailey, Jackson Bird, Joe Burns, Tom Cooper, Patrick Cummins, Ben Cutting, Liam Davis, Jon Holland, Mitchell Johnson, Michael Klinger, Nathan Lyon, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
For the Australian UK limited overs tour, click here to check those fixtures.
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