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| January 06, 2007 | Saturday | Zilhaj 15, 1427 |
Australia can endure legends’ retirements, says Warne
SYDNEY, Jan 5: Australian cricket is in far better shape to withstand the retirements of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer than it was 23 years ago, Warne said on Friday.
The trio of Test greats bowed out as winners in Australia's thumping 10-wicket victory over England in the final Sydney Test to clinch the first 5-0 Ashes series whitewash in 86 years.
Australian cricket fell into a black hole, winning just seven of their ensuing 46 Tests following the seismic retirements of Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rodney Marsh after the fifth Sydney Test against Pakistan in January 1984.
The parallels are obvious with the departures of three influential members of the contemporary Australian team, but Warne said the conditions now compared to then were completely different.
“Obviously, at that stage there were a couple of international sides which were very, very good. And they were three great players for Australia,” Warne said.
“The West Indies were a very tough side to even touch at that stage. At the moment, we're a long way ahead of the next best side. As you can see, England are rated the next-best side and to win five-nil — you can't be any more comprehensive than that.
“So there is a good gap between Australia and the next best side. That's not being arrogant, that's just the facts,” he added.
The incomparable 37-year-old leg-spinner, who finished his 145-Test career with 708 wickets at 25.42, said Australian cricket was in great shape. “First-class cricket in Australia is a good breeding ground for talent to come in and play. There are some wonderful cricketers out there,” he said.
“It's a good time to get some younger players into the Test side, while it's been so successful, and there is a decent gap between the next best side. I don't think Australia will come back to the field. They'll replace us three guys and I'm sure Australia will keep playing good cricket and winning.”—AFP
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