Dignified exit best option for Taylor

OVAL, August 24: Australia finished the series as they started it -- in disarray. For their part England also concluded as they began -- on...

OVAL, August 24: Australia finished the series as they started it — in disarray. For their part England also concluded as they began — on a high. Two vastly different emotions however, they could produce the same decision from the two captains.

The first Test loss had little to do with Australia being under prepared, it was more like ripe for the picking’. The raging controversy surrounding Mark Taylor and poor selections combined to siphon the spirit from the Australian tank. For a while it appeared England had been the one sucking on the hose, as they won the Texaco Trophy and the first Test by overwhelming Australia with a combination of aggression and flair. However, from the moment Taylor scored a century at Edgbaston and put an end to all the conjecture, Australia were refuelled and on the road to rehabilitation.

While Taylor’s hundred ensured he retained his place for the series, his future as Australian captain is far from assured. His form, despite an improvement at Trent Bridge and the Oval, is still patchy and there are too many good batsmen on the verge to keep selecting a struggling player. It all depends on Taylor’s priority — does he want to go out on his terms or is he prepared to risk the embarrassment of being dropped? In recent times the selectors have treated Taylor — the batsman — generously, but it may be unwise to push his luck, especially with a tough series looming against South Africa. Depending on his preference, a dignified retirement may be his best option.pIn Mike Atherton’s case I suspect he will resign the captaincy. He doesn’t impress me as the type to go on fighting a losing battle and despite the euphoria of the Oval victory, that in the end was what he experienced.

Story continues below this ad

Adding to Taylor’s dilemma will be the emergence of Matthew Elliott as a top-class opening batsmen. The ideal opening combination is a left and right-hander and Elliott’s place is now secure. On this tour Elliott and Jason Gillespie were Australia’s two big improvers and combined with the resurgence of Ricky Ponting and the continued good form of Greg Blewett, there is the nucleus of a good side when the present hard men retire.

Not that there are any signs of Ian Healy or Steve Waugh are on the wane. Waugh was at his mind controlling best at Old Trafford where his two centuries shone like a miner’s lamp, but few of his work mates were in the same tunnel. Healy’s glove work was impeccable and his leg-side stumping at Old Trafford was the highlight in a series containing plenty of excellent deeds. Typical of a great player and top-class team man Healy’s timing is precise and that stumping ignited a flurry of wickets which put Australia on top in the pivotal Test. From that moment they forged ahead of England but Healy, then produced an innings in that game and another at Trent Bridge designed to dishearten the toughest of opponents.