Warne’S 10-point plan to lift Aussies after Ashes humiliation

SYDNEY - Former Australian leg spinner Shane Warne has revealed a 10-point plan to improve his country’s cricketing fortunes after the Ashes debacle.

In an article for Fox Sports, it is as follows:

1. International players must play more domestic cricket. If you want to perform at the top then the foundations must be strong.

2. No more resting players. They should want to play every game, creating a toughness of mind and body.

3. No more seven one-dayers against the same team. One-dayers keep everything ticking over financially, but maybe an ODI at each major venue - five in total - and three Twenty20s would better serve our side.

4. Talk more cricket after a day’s play, don’t rush off. Get to know your teammates better.

5. Fewer support staff. Get the coach or manager to organise specific people to come in when required, which leads to more thinking for yourself and not relying too much on others.

6. Bowlers to stop thinking about going for runs and start thinking wickets. Attack the stumps, bowl fuller and risk being driven.

7. Batsmen to work against bowlers not bowling machines. We need proper, hard net sessions with a purpose. Every session must be about learning and improving.

8. Create an environment that is competitive and team-orientated not individual.

9. It’s not a job, it’s fun and enjoyable to be playing cricket and representing Australia. When selecting players, look for spirit and a sense of fun.

10. Cricket basics. As I said earlier, we need to do them better than anyone else in the world. (ANI)