the thing i like about the aussies is the depth. first test watson was a sure thing, was injured they bring in clarke who has scored a centry (or two i cant keep up) then martyn retires, watson still injured and symonds gets a chance, 100 in this game. they just cant go wrong.
and with warne going, you still have mcgill, though he is getting on a bit. but you also have hogg as well.
mcgrath you have clark cricky when are you guys going to give up?
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we have the best cricket development programs in the world
i dont mean to sound arrogant but its true
unlike other sports we play like Rugby, League, AFL etc
Cricket is played in all states, thus gets more attention, and way more funding when it comes to the grass roots - where it all begins
We have the weather which suits cricket to a tee...in Engand weather can hinder development
We dont have the All Blacks, where in NZ alot of young athletic talent would prefer
We dont have soccer, where in UK alot of young athletic talent would prefer
Union is played in 2 states - with WA on new turf
AFL is played in all states - but really gets its growth from SA, WA and Vic........but VFL/AFL was evented to keep the cricketers fit in winter back in the late 1800's, so in a sense this sport is a cricketers cold weather hobby......we have a many dual sportsmand in AFL and cricket, that made top grade in both sports.....you never see that with Rugby n cricket
We have Shane Warne, Ponting n McGrath........every little kid in aussie, knows who they are.
Unlike Joey Johns - nobody knows him in South Australia
Also approx 5-10hours of primary school hisotry education revolves around DON BRADMAN...in all states.
It begins at a young age...and we nurture it very well indeed.
This doesnt mean we are the best through time........but it means we dont spend much time at the bottom, or mid-ranked........and occasionally like of late......we can dominate when in the same generation you get telant like Warne, McGrath, Ponting.
You could say the same thing for the sub-continent - its their religion..........but they could do it better, and dominate like nobody else, but i believe that is hindered with $$, resources and the like, as the subcontinent is riddled with poverty, and some potential stars would fall into this poverty circle at a young age and be forgotton/lost.
When someone in Australia sees an under 10 yr ole lands a leggy on the pitch...he is in a sense kidnapped, and taken to cricket clinics, nutured, and kept in the game.
I played rep when i was under 16 for North NSW........the amount of bowling, batting, fielding and clinics you are involved with, borderlines taking nostalgia out of a kids life....i found the escape when i was 16 when i realised i was missing out on a REAL growing up experience..........of course i semi regret this now, as I could be out there smashing Panaser...but in reality we all know its those that stick to the commitment, are the ones that are rewarded.
