Warne urges Aussies to ‘make rational judgment calls’ to regain No.1 Test spot

SYDNEY - Australia have performed poorly over the past couple of years, and the authorities have to look at the top all the way down and work out what they need to do better, according to leg-spin legend Shane Warne.

“After Sydney, there is half a Sheffield Shield season left to identify the players who are ready for Test cricket. The selectors should work out the right combination of experience and young players to take Australia forward,” Warne wrote in an article for The Telegraph.

“The next Test series is not until August, when we play Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka. That is the time to make rational judgment calls.”

“This way it gives Ricky Ponting six months to think about what he wants to do next, and he and the selectors have to work out what is the best thing for Australian cricket and not individuals,” he added.

Warne further said that Australia now has to go back to the drawing board to work out how they can regain the No.1 spot back.

“Other teams have spent the last 15 to 20 years copying Australia in the way they have played their cricket, their tactics, the way they have warmed-up and their structure. Australia set the example. Now everyone does what we did, but are doing it better,” Warne said.

“It has taken this Ashes series for it to come to a head. We can’t continue beating ordinary opposition but lose as soon as we come up against the stronger teams.”

“This is the first time we have not won an Ashes series at home for 24 years and it is time for us to say, “right, we are not one of the best sides in the world any more”. We need to be honest, we need to address it and move forward,” he added.

England retained the Ashes on Wednesday after beating the Australians by an innings and 157 runs in the fourth Test at the MCG with a day to spare. (ANI)