Formidable Australia was just too much for ‘barbecued’ Windies: Roebuck
By ANIMonday, November 30, 2009
SYDNEY - Noted cricket columnist Peter Roebuck has said Australia was just too formidable a side to be outplayed by the West Indies in the first Test played at the Gabba in Brisbane last week.
In an article for the Sydney Morning Herald, Roebuck claims the virility that was missing from their cricket during the Ashes series in England is back.
“It’s hard enough to beat the Australians at the best of times. It’s been 21 years since the Aussies lost the Gabba Test. It’s a challenging pitch in a confronting country. Touring sides need to give themselves time to adjust to the light, bounce and local psychology. Australia is an “in your face” land. Tourists need to arrive a fortnight earlier and insist on playing the warm-up on the Test ground,” Roebuck writes.
He, however, says that the Australians deserve credit for a powerful performance.
“For a team containing only one player of uncontested greatness, the hosts were formidable. Considering the heavy winter program and question marks raised before the match, it was a fine effort. Australia sustained their aggression from the first ball to the last,” Roebuck says.
“The West Indies were barbecued,” he adds.
He also says that left-hand batters Simon Katich and Marcus North were the sturdiest of Australia’s batsmen during the Test, cruising until they reached the 80s, and then while shifting gear, crashed.
“Both lefties were superb off the back foot - a charge that cannot be laid on their opponents. Katich punished short deliveries as well as anyone and his stocks continue to rise. North has contributed consistently. He is not a typical No.6,” says Roebuck.
Roebuck found that none of the other batsmen were in complete control.
Ponting scored 50 without ever sorting out his front-foot game. Michael Hussey was not entirely convincing. Michael Clarke presented a wide blade, but was sketchy during his stay at the crease.addin contributed handily with the willow and was impressive behind the timbers.
As far as the Australian bowling was concerned, the pace trio of Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle, were rusty and frustrated, but delivered when it mattered. They also did not come up short on aggression.
He says that spinner Nathan Haurtiz had a good match with both bat and ball.
The strong Australian performance at the Gabba showed all concerned, including the bulging backroom staff, in a favourable light, he concludes. (ANI)
