I am often asked about the ‘health’ of world cricket, given the gap in skill and playing levels between Australia and all other teams around the world. First, I should say that holding such a lofty position is accorded to us by commentators/cricket analysts, other teams, media and the public. Secondly, whether this assessment is accurate or not, it is always our intention to keep seeking ways in which to improve the way we currently play the game as individuals or as a team. It does not mean we are unbeatable; however, opposition teams will find it difficult to consistently match our performance. If some people believe this to be unhealthy for the game, it is their right to that opinion; but from the Australian cricket team’s perspective, we will never seek to compromise our standards. Rather, if our standards are so high that we dominate world cricket, then we would hope that it inspires other teams to meet and beat us. Already I see this happening around the world with the recent series between England and South Africa showing the benefits of some internal changes. Let me return to this in a moment. At the international level, we have seen the WIBC attempting to lure Bennett King as coach of the Windies cricket team to assist with their immediate development but also a longer term view to World Cup 2007 and beyond. Pakistan with Daryl Foster, India with Lillee, Geoff Marsh et al, New Zealand with Ashley Ross, England with Rod Marsh, Sri Lanka with Dav Whatmore and recently John Dyson, and now Bangladesh with Dav Whatmore have all sort to explore an Australian input. It is good business methodology to scan the horizon, search out current ‘best practice’ and incorporate the systems, processes and practitioners of those organisations defined as being at the ‘cutting edge’. Returning to the recent Test Series in England, I believe we are beginning to see the gradual evolution of both countries’ games. Apart from the input as mentioned above (although South Africa is one country that is more influenced by England than Australia), there are other important internal changes taking place. If selectors of both teams have done their homework, looked at best practice and then projected forward (a vision or picture of the future), the leadership and some of the newer players introduced to their teams will be a clear indication of their direction. South Africa have been more adventurous with choice of leader with Graham Smith phlegmatic, wishing to stamp a new attitude to the team he now captains. Vaughan, while less charismatic, nonetheless seems to possess a definable ‘Yorkshire steel’ about himself with which is gradually infecting his teammates. The leader cannot bring about change by himself; but, in concert with coaching staff, vice-captains and selection policies change will come. Players like Trescothick, Flintoff, Hoggard should be great allies to Vaughan and Rudolf, Ntini, Boje, Mckenzie to be of great assistance to their new leader. I believe India to have made these changes some time ago for which we saw the first evidence of this in the ICC Tournament, Kenya, 2000. Under the careful guidance of John Wright, this change has been allowed to flourish. Sourav Ganguly has been instrumental in showing his teammates what playing with a ‘new attitude’ means. Ganguly has been brazen; has been insulting; has been courageous; has been bizarre. However, in most cases I would believe these acts to have been calculated to not only show opposition they are confronting a different team; but also, and possibly more importantly, he has been educating his younger charges to the type of game that he believes will make them more successful onfield. I was interested to read comments attributed to him with respect to the lost Test match at Eden Gardens in 2001. He talks of sledging and how Stephen Waugh’s comments to him about a dropped catch served to fuel and synergise the team’s desire to win that match. Ganguly travelling to Australia to gain some further insight to Australian conditions, and in particular short-pitched bowling, sends a strong message to his team and to others. I believe for any organisation, regardless of how well they are performing, it is the synchronisation between the vision of leadership, about what they want to be and what type of people do they need to chase that vision, and its internal culture that gives it best chance of succeeding. I believe we are seeing that now with several sides around the world and that can only be healthy for cricket. How quickly teams can adapt to and adopt ‘new attitudes and approaches’ is problematic. But one thing is for sure, if the process is not started, Australian cricket will only increase that gap, perceived or otherwise! (Gameplan)
