Australia’s Test cricket collapse not a surprise

IS ANYONE surprised by our current Test woes in Dubai?

Our collapses against Pakistan are somewhat embarrassing but not at all shocking or surprising.

I don’t think we can lay the blame solely at the feet of our players though.

Yes they need to get out there and get the job done with bat and ball but I think our “failures” are just as much about the sad nature of Test cricket as they are about poor individual performances.

And I believe our “nobility” when it comes to the longer version of the game also works heavily against us.

Typing that word – nobility – I could almost hear every Aussie fan cricket fan laughing out loud after our recent indiscretions but I urge you all to hear me out.

The fact is I honestly believe we are one of the few countries alongside possibly South Africa who don’t heavily doctor our pitches to support our cause.

Name an Australian pitch that truly gives any Australian team a distinct advantage – I can wait.

It could be argued that there was a time when the WACA worked in our favour with its raw pace and bounce but I imagine most batsmen would prefer dealing with pace over a ball that turns at right angles.

And that has been our downfall at a Test level – we believe that a well-rounded team will perform at any level but what has that achieved?

Lately it’s achieved next to nothing.

Look at Pakistan’s approach to the Test – they have produced a wicket that heavily suits their strengths and named a side accordingly.

Australia on the other hand has a well-rounded team.

It’s a bit of catch-22 though because that’s always been our strength.

Even at that peaks the likes of Glen McGrath and Shane Warne never truly dominated the team.

Maybe our best bet for now is to tweak our goals – aim to be competitive away and dominate at home.

It’s good enough for everyone else.