Time for Australian cricket to do some soul-searching

Time for Australian cricket to do some soul-searching

John Buchanan is one of the most successful coaches in international cricket. He presided over Australia’s golden era, guiding the team to two World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007 — both achieved without losing a single match — and overseeing a side that won nearly three-fourths of the Tests it played during his tenure.

In this conversation with The Hindu, the 72-year-old reflects on what it takes to build a successful team, revisits some of the memorable battles against India, and shares his insights on the modern game. Excerpts

How do you assess the current state of Australian cricket?

They had a strong Ashes series before the T20 World Cup exit. They did win 3-1, but I thought it was a very disappointing series. The skill levels of both sides were not what I would term ‘Test match standard.’ And I say that not just because the matches lasted two or two-and-a-half days, but because, from both a batting and bowling perspective, I saw players unable to adapt and adjust their skills to the conditions.

Wickets always play a role, but the ones I saw shouldn’t have dictated such short games. So, in a nutshell, I think it’s time for Australian cricket to do some soul-searching. That includes taking accountability for both good and bad outcomes. Australia’s record over the last three or four years across formats is still quite strong. Nonetheless, the results in T20 cricket are indicative of some underlying cracks in the system.

With players like Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith, and Josh Hazlewood nearing the end of their careers, how do you see the road ahead?