Aussies need to start playing cricket to stop speculation of calamity: Roebuck

SYDNEY - Calamity has befallen Australian cricket, and according to columnist Peter Roebuck, Australia needs to start playing cricket to stop the orgy of speculation observed of late.

In a write-up for the Sydney Morning Herald, Roebuck said: “Reporters and captains alike were left scratching their heads as an amazed and boisterous crowd waved a thousand flags,” to celebrate Sri Lanka’s come from behind victory against Australia in Wednesday’s one-day international.

“It’s time to get back to basics. In the last two years Australia have chosen 45 players. Evidently a lot of good cricketers have emerged and few obvious champions. Selectors are called upon to build a side that can last the course and to favour players with the extra ingredient. Identifying the best cricketers is the hard part,” Roebuck adds.

He says that the fact that Australia could not polish off a wounded opponent is a cause for worry.

“Far from returning to the winning habit they snatched defeat from victory’s very jaw. The last time they won the opposition was not trying,” Roebuck said.

He concludes by saying that Australia still has time to settle, and that Sri Lanka’s arrival is a blessing in disguise.

“England’s preparation has been better and they look stronger but the first ball is weeks away and by then the tough decisions will have been taken,” he says. (ANI)