I think the problem is most of the greats retired all at once McGrath, Warne, Langer and Martyn all retired at the same time with Gilchrist and Hayden following on 1-2 years later.
If they retired separately i.e like Warne then the following year McGrath then it could of been a different story young players like Hughes and some new faces could of played in the team with still one of the greats in their.
I was surprised with Lee I used to think he only got Wickets because McGrath kept the other end tight, but since McGrath retired Lee stepped up and proved me wrong
Now its hard for new players to keep up the same level of expectation. That doesn't include Johnson he was in the team when the big boys where still in but now his just some how lost the plot in this series.
Yes I agree with a lot of this.
The other problem in the last year has been injuries. We've played an insane number of bowlers in particular, due to injuries or replacing those who were rested to ease workload. I think it's about 15 pace bowlers that have been used. Johnson, Lee, Clark, Bracken, Siddle, Hilfenhaus, Tait - all were injured at some point or were rested for a series. Bollinger, Geeves, Laughlin, Harwood, Harris and Magoffin (as cover in SA) were the replacements. Plus McDonald and Hopes who play as bowlers really.
Then 5 spinners (Hauritz, Krejza, White, Casson and McGain) have had a go in the last 12 months. Casson was OK, but got injured before India and couldn't prove his fitness early enough (which was grossly underreported, everyone assumes he was dropped on form), then was dropped by NSW as Hauritz passed him. McGain did his shoulder before India, then got carted by SA. Krejza got 8 wickets, but can't bowl a maiden to save his life and given Johnson, Siddle and Lee's propensity for loose spells - we couldn't play him or we'd be conceding 400 runs a day. And White should NEVER have played as a spinner, but we had no choice given the lack of options.
This year the picture should clear up. There are no vital series' or tournaments to play, so guys like Hussey can be given his marching orders and bowlers can be rotated in and out with more assurance.
And guys, get over Hodge. He's not coming back... If he couldn't make the T20 squad as the Symonds replacement, he's not getting another go unless there are injuries. It's his own fault, yes he made that 200, but after that he was continually dismissed driving away from his body. And selectors don't like guys who have a targettable weakness - hello Phillip Hughes...
Last edited: