Warne: Australia need a kick up the backside
Australia legend Shane Warne said the current Test side is “pretty ordinary” and need a “kick up the backside” following their series defeat against Pakistan in the UAE.
The Aussies slumped to a 373-run defeat against Pakistan in the second Test in Abu Dhabi to fall to a 1-0 defeat in the two-match series.
The tourists could not take the momentum gained in the first Test when they escaped with an heroic draw after blocking out almost 140 overs and Warne has not held back in his assessment of the Australia team.
ALSO READ: Collapso cricket troubles Aussie coach Justin Langer
Warne, who took 708 wickets in 145 Tests, told reporters: “It’s been pretty ordinary, hasn’t it?
“We all support the Aussie side as we do but they need a kick up the backside at the moment because they’re not performing well.”
The legendary leg-spinner then took aim at allrounder Mitchell Marsh, questioning why he was selected as vice-captain.
Marsh, together with his brother his brother Shaun, had a poor series in the UAE and overall does not have good record in Test cricket.
Warner said of Mitch Marsh: “I hadn’t even thought before that series that he had established himself in the team.
“I don’t think he’s cemented a spot and that’s why it was a strange selection for me as vice-captain. He only averages 25 or 26 in Test cricket.”
Latest
-
NewsSam Curran relishing responsibility in England T20 side
The Surrey all-rounder opened the bowling before partnering Jonny Bairstow across the winning line.
-
NewsOn This Day 2012: Ashley Giles takes over as England limited-overs head coach
Team director and Test boss Andy Flower was keen to reduce his own workload and Giles seized the opportunity.
-
NewsJonny Bairstow happy to put experience to good use after move down England order
Bairstow hit a wonderful 86 not out as England won the first Twenty20 international in South Africa.
-
NewsDefiant Jonny Bairstow powers England to win over South Africa
The Yorkshire batsman hit 86 not out from 48 balls in a five-wicket win.
-
NewsEngland chasing 180 to win Cape Town clash as Faf Du Plessis makes half-century
Sam and Tom Curran experienced mixed fortunes in the first innings of the opening Twenty20 against South Africa.
-
NewsKohli disappointed to see heads go down in Sydney
India were pummeled by Australia in the first ODI going down by 66 runs after a poor effort in the field.
-
NewsLeicestershire boss: Foxes won’t stand for being county cricket “also rans”
Chief executive Sean Jarvis has big plans for the county.
-
NewsEngland unsure of best T20 side as foreign fixtures resume
Selectors have a full strength squad to choose from in England’s first away match since the start of the pandemic.
-
NewsKohli promises opportunities for India young guns
Virat Kohli’s India will be looking to blood the next generation of stars Downunder.
-
NewsSouth Africa on high alert after Ben Stokes’ IPL form
The South Africa captain saw Stokes smash a sensational hundred last month.