SabEnd of an era
December 24th 2006 06:21
News of the retirements of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, Australia’s two greatest wicket takers in tests and one day internationals, has sent the cricketing world reeling. Warne and McGrath have been the cornerstone of Australia’s domination for more than a decade. Without the two legends, Australia will suddenly become vulnerable, and this will provide a true test of Ricky Ponting’s captaincy.
Since the 2005 Ashes loss, Australia has won 15 of 16 tests, with a draw against South Africa in Perth last summer. Most of the success has been attributed to Ponting’s Bradman-like run with the bat and a more assured captaincy. However, success should also be attributed to the two great bowlers. In Test cricket, bowlers win matches, and Australia has been fortunate to have the greatest bowler in history and one of the greatest fast bowlers playing on the same team.
With McGrath and Warne bowling in tandem, Australia had not lost a test match since March 2002. They displayed greatness in their ability to bowl accurately, drying up runs but at the same time producing wicket taking deliveries.
Many in the media have noted that Australian cricket will survive these retirements and stay comfortably at the top of the International tree.
Yes, Australia will probably still be the best, but mainly because of the inadequacies of the rest of the world. It is unlikely that they will dominate like they once did.
Brett Lee and Stuart Clark have been great foils for the two masters, but will not be as effective if they are required to lead the Australian attack. Australia has built a formidable batting order in Ponting, Hussey and Clarke but it is their bowling that will become an issue. Thus, Ponting’s captaincy will closely be monitored and success will be harder earned than in the previous 15 months.
Warne noted that he would have retired if Australia had won the 2005 Ashes. However, after that stinging loss, Warne was determined to play for the cause of regaining the urn. Now with the Ashes won, and Warne and McGrath playing their last tests, it is officially an end of an era, for one of the greatest periods of dominance in Australian sport.
Since the 2005 Ashes loss, Australia has won 15 of 16 tests, with a draw against South Africa in Perth last summer. Most of the success has been attributed to Ponting’s Bradman-like run with the bat and a more assured captaincy. However, success should also be attributed to the two great bowlers. In Test cricket, bowlers win matches, and Australia has been fortunate to have the greatest bowler in history and one of the greatest fast bowlers playing on the same team.
The two legends (Photo by BBC)
With McGrath and Warne bowling in tandem, Australia had not lost a test match since March 2002. They displayed greatness in their ability to bowl accurately, drying up runs but at the same time producing wicket taking deliveries.
Many in the media have noted that Australian cricket will survive these retirements and stay comfortably at the top of the International tree.
Yes, Australia will probably still be the best, but mainly because of the inadequacies of the rest of the world. It is unlikely that they will dominate like they once did.
Brett Lee and Stuart Clark have been great foils for the two masters, but will not be as effective if they are required to lead the Australian attack. Australia has built a formidable batting order in Ponting, Hussey and Clarke but it is their bowling that will become an issue. Thus, Ponting’s captaincy will closely be monitored and success will be harder earned than in the previous 15 months.
Warne noted that he would have retired if Australia had won the 2005 Ashes. However, after that stinging loss, Warne was determined to play for the cause of regaining the urn. Now with the Ashes won, and Warne and McGrath playing their last tests, it is officially an end of an era, for one of the greatest periods of dominance in Australian sport.
| 48 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by shisha