Time batting great replaced Hick, Warne says
MELBOURNE: Shane Warne believes Ricky Ponting is among a host of Australian test greats who could replace undersiege batting coach Graeme Hick.
Days after launching public criticism of Australia’s batting mentor, Warne has called for Cricket Australia to replace exEngland test batsman Hick.
Australia has lost 18 of its past 24 matches in all forms, including the defeat to South Africa in the oneoff twenty20 on Saturday.
Warne said it was time for a change.
‘‘The one thing I would say is . . . Australian cricket over the last 2530 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 several 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 12month firstclass bans given to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their roles in the balltampering saga in March.
Cricket Australia refused on Tuesday 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.’’ — AAP
Balmacewen Intermediate won its last game at the National Primary School Cup finals in Lincoln yesterday.
It beat Tauranga Intermediate by eight runs. Balmacewen posted 111 for seven and dismissed its opponent for 103.
Liam Barron took four for 15 and was the tournament jointleading wickettaker with seven.
Huntley School was crowned champion. It won all three of its completed games.