GIVE HICK THE FLICK

Legendary leggie says Australia batting coach must go

CRICKET: Shane Warne believes Ricky Ponting is among a host of Australian Test greats who could replace under-siege batting coach Graeme Hick.

Days after launching public criticism of Australia’s batting mentor, legendary leg-spinner Warne has called for Cricket Australia to replace Hick, a former England Test batsman.

Australia has been beaten in 18 of their past 24 matches in all forms, including the loss to South Africa in the one-off Twenty20 last Saturday.

“The one thing I would say is ... Australian cricket over the last 25-30 years has had some terrific batsmen,” Warne said yesterday.

“Graeme Hick has been there for the last few years and seen that the players are making the same mistakes all the time – it’s time for a change.”

Warne insisted a number of Australian batting greats could easily take over.

“Whether it be Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey ... I’m sure any of those guys could do it,” Warne said.

“We’ve had great cricketers for the past 25 years and they (should) be around the cricket team more often.

“Get Glenn McGrath with the bowlers ... there are so many opportunities.”

Warne was also critical of Australian Cricketers’ Association president Greg Dyer for attempting to reduce the 12-month first-class bans given to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their roles in the balltampering saga in South Africa in March.

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia refused to soften any aspect of the bans, meaning Smith and Warner will be restricted to grade cricket for the entire home summer.

“I think once the bans were in place, even though I thought they were too harsh at the time, you can’t overrule them,” Warne said.

“I was disappointed Greg Dyer and the players’ association even did that, unfortunately.

“You can’t overturn them because Australia’s cricketers are playing so badly.”