Legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne has come up with a 10-point action plan to revive the state of cricket Down Under and said tough decisions need to be made for the team to regain the number one status in the ICC's Test rankings.
Warne said, "It's time to draw a line in the sand with Australian cricket," as was done in the mid-1980s, if the team wants to be No. 1 again.
"Big decisions need to be made from the top down by Cricket Australia, selectors, the coach and the captain. Tough decisions on what is most important for Australian cricket, who is accountable for the selections in the past two years that have left us at this point, do we have the right leadership and who are the experienced players or fresh faces to take us into the future," Warne wrote in his column for the Herald Sun.
Ranked fourth behind India, South Africa and England, Australia lost the Ashes at home for the first time since 1987, and are currently on the verge of suffering another humiliating defeat in the ongoing Sydney Test.
"There is no disgrace in being beaten by a better team, but we must learn from them. We are no longer number one. The sooner we realise that and act on it, the quicker we can progress from fourth in the ICC rankings. There is no quick fix. It is going to take time, patience, support and encouragement," the yesteryear great wrote.
Warne's recommendations included getting international players to play more domestic cricket so as to strengthen their base, no more resting of players, do away with the seven-match ODI series against the same team, players getting to know their team-mates better, having fewer support staff, getting bowlers to start thinking about wickets, getting batsmen to work against bowlers and not bowling machines.
Warne also added that there needs to be an environment that is competitive and team orientated.
"I am passionate about Australian sport, in particular cricket as I love the game, and I want to see Australia back at No. 1. I was lucky to be given an opportunity to play for Australia in an era that was very successful. I learnt a lot about the game and it was very enjoyable.
"I am not sure how much fun the current team is having. Is their attitude and thinking that we are all in this together - let's help and support each other no matter what - or are they just thinking about their own positions? Australia have been the benchmark for a long time in all facets in the Test arena and that's something to be proud of.
"Rival countries have copied everything Australia have done from cricket academies, tactics, preparation, catching and fielding as well as coaching. But now they have caught up - and some teams have overtaken Australia," said Warne, who has taken 708 wickets in Test cricket.
Warne also highlighted the key issues like who is accountable for selections in the last two years and who are the players Australia need to take into the future.
"The list of changes I have outlined proves there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Who is accountable and responsible for the selections or non-selection of players in the last two years? Is it the selection panel, coach, captain or a combination of all? Cricket Australia must address these issues immediately and be pro-active for the future.
"Planning starts now. So, how can we improve going forward? Who are the people to take us into the future? This is where we have to draw that line in the sand and say who are the core group of players we will stick with and who are the young players we have identified and will give an extended chance to," the former leggie wrote.
Warne also backed Michael Clarke to succeed regular captain Ricky Ponting.
"When it comes to the captain, he has to warrant his place in the team first and foremost. What we have seen from Michael Clarke here in Sydney is that if called upon, he is ready if needed to captain.
"For the future of our batting line-up, I like the look of young Usman Khawaja and Callum Ferguson. Youth can inject enthusiasm into a group and bring an air of excitement. Mix that with a core of experienced players and you can have a team that can enjoy its cricket and push each other. If we embrace the challenges that lie ahead and not hide from them, I think all will be ok," he said.
