Aker takes punt on going pro
ONE- DAY captain Aaron Finch admits the Cricket Australia bloodletting has put some doubts in his mind.
But Finch says the swath of changes to the hierarchy can’t be used as a reason for on- field failures.
“When there are changes, and there are things being said and written about, I think it’s hard not to read it sometimes when it’s everywhere,” he said.
But Finch denied the offfield ructions played a part in Australia’s series- opening loss to South Africa last weekend.
“I don’t think it affected me in terms of my preparation or my performance,” he said.
“You might spend a little bit of time reading it, and putting some kind of doubts in your mind at times, but I think it’s about each individual being 100 per cent committed to their plans and doing whatever the team needs to get the job done.”
CA chairman David Peever and director Mark Taylor stood down last week in the wake a damning review of the organisation’s culture.
CA this week announced high- performance manager Pat Howard would leave next week, while Ben Amarfio, CA’s general manager of broadcasting, digital media and commercial, departed immediately.
Finch praised Howard’s contribution, saying his exit was “unfortunate”.
“When you’re in his position, you’re in a no- win position,” Finch said. “A lot of the time you have to rob Peter to pay Paul to change all the structures around.
“And whatever is best for the ( national) men’s side might not be the best thing for one state in particular at the time.
“He was in a really difficult situation and did an unbelievable job during that period. It’s unfortunate that Pat has gone. I know how much he loved the game.”
But Finch said his one- day squad should be focused solely on snapping a seven- game ODI losing streak when they meet the South Africans at Adelaide Oval today. JASON Akermanis is going back to school at 41 – qualifying school that is, with a bid to become a golf pro in Noosa next month.
The three- time AFL premiership winner has devoted himself to lowering his handicap from six to scratch over the past year in Albury and feels ready to compete with some of the country’s best young golfers.
“I play golf like six days a week and it’s something I’ve set myself to do,” the former Brisbane Lions champion said.
“I feel my putting is a strong suit and my handicap has come way down with the practice I’ve put in.”
Akermanis will have to shoot even par or better over three rounds to get through qualifying school at Noosa Springs from December 5- 7. If he makes it, Akermanis will be off to Moonah Links in Victoria for the final stage to earn a playing card on the Australasian Tour beside stars like Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith.
“I just love golf and a sport where you see yourself improving,” he said.