Worst test team ever???

[krisholio14]

Yes and no, Mike Haysman was the only real talent lost to those tours. he had grown impatient for his shot and took the chance, he was a bit of a cricket tragedy, jumped to the rebel tours when he was probably 1 more good Shield season from playing in tests and then moved to SAF too early for their revival,

But the rest, Hughes (had burnt his bridges) J Dyson, T Hogan, J Maguire, C Rackemann, S Rixon, R McCurdy, S Smith, K Wessels, G Yallop they were all their through the bad times anyway.

Yeah true, but then see my comments about where Australian cricket was at prior to WSC.

The thing about the rebel tours was as much about losing experience and depth as much as talent, but then the silver lining (as with WSC), was that it forced the selectors to try some untapped talent.

Regardless, it rarely takes Australia long to rebuild.

Consider that from last Ashes series to this, only three players remain. That's a high turnover of personnel, and despite that the Aussies have remained competitive for the most part.

As long as they don't end up chasing their tails like the Poms did for nearly three decades, it won't be long before they are right back up there.

 

[Doodlesweaver]

If you want to see a terrible test line up for one of the experienced nations, check this one....

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63488.html

In that period, England were flogged 10-0 by the West Indies in a 10 test home and away series. Not even the worst Australian sides were hammered that badly.

I just looked at that scorecard and went 'awww, Roger Harper.' I still think he's the finest fielder I've ever seen.

 

[krisholio14]

I just looked at that scorecard and went 'awww, Roger Harper.' I still think he's the finest fielder I've ever seen.

Gus Logie wasn't bad either

 

[aflcliche]

I don't get why theres not many high quality back up and emerging players like in the 90s. Someone mentioned the cricket acadamy from 87. How has that worked? We saw the Windies downfall and the general consensus seemed to be 'it won't happen to us, we have better admin, were prepared, we've seen what can happen... etc etc' Wheres the new crop? Marsh and Jaques should be groomed more than they are.

 

[aneale]

The Academy was phenomenal, since moving to QLD I think it has suffered and I think the reduction in numbers due to AFL's professionalism and lure hasn't helped.

 

[krisholio14]

The Academy was phenomenal, since moving to QLD I think it has suffered and I think the reduction in numbers due to AFL's professionalism and lure hasn't helped.

There is still plenty of young talent out there.

What's happening now is a by product of most successful sides. The more dominant you are, the harder it is to find games to get the young blokes experience.

Back in the 90's, most of what became Australia's top order during their most dominant period got tastes as young fellas, got dropped, then spent years in the Shield honing their games before coming back and starring (Hayden, Langer, Martyn just to name three off the top of my head).

 

[1980GFVideo]

Gus Logie wasn't bad either

Viv Richards was a master also but Harper was dynamic whether it be a slips or infield catch or retrieving and throwing over the stumps from the boundary in a single action.

 

[Doodlesweaver]

Viv Richards was a master also but Harper was dynamic whether it be a slips or infield catch or retrieving and throwing over the stumps from the boundary in a single action.

They had some remarkable fielders. First fielder I ever really remember thinking 'What!' was Collis King. Superb gully fielder and around the infield.

Augustine Logie wins the prize for the best name.

 

[linda]

1985 tour of England was a poor Aus team .

 

[Caesar]

Atrocious thread, one of the worst. This England team could beat anyone right now. Despite the ICC rankings, they're playing better than either India or South Africa are in that series at the moment. How anyone who has the slightest inkling about Australian cricket history could make this statement is absurd.

You go 2-1 down against a top side and this is what happens. Amazing.