Hard to reclaim reputations but can reclaim values: Michael Hussey
Mar 28, 2018 at 6:09 PM
Former Australian cricketer Mike Hussey feels it will be difficult for Australian cricketers to reclaim their reputations. However, he feels this incident is a chance for the team to reclaim some of its lost principles and values.
“I feel like we’ve lost sight of some of these principles in recent years…there are some very good people representing Australia at the moment – but the ball tampering issue isn’t the first time the team as a collective has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons,” Hussey wrote for ‘playersvoice.com.au’.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia handed a 12-month ban on Steve Smith and David Warner. While, Cameron Bancroft, who used sticky papers to change the shape of the ball got a 9-month ban.
Along with it, they can’t lead any Australian side for the next two years. However, Darren Lehmann got a clean chit and will continue to work till his tenure ends in 2019.
Tim Paine will lead the side in the remainder of the series and Joe Burns, Glenn Maxwell, and Matt Renshaw replaced the culprit trio.
“The next few days, weeks and months will be difficult for Australian cricket. Jobs might be lost and heavy sanctions handed down,” said Hussey. “But this period will also present the team with a chance to reset. Our values. Our team culture. Our true north,” he added.
Talking about playing the game with integrity, the southpaw cited the examples of Matthew Hayden, Jason Gillespie, and Rahul Dravid.
“What’s the first thing that springs to your mind when someone mentions Rahul Dravid? I’d be surprised if you said, ‘He scored 28 hundreds,’ (or however many it was) but in no way surprised if you answered, ‘He was The Wall. He had an incredible technique and temperament. He played the game with great integrity,” he mentioned.
However, Hussey said he is hopeful that Australian cricket will recover from the shock.
“This is going to take time…Only actions will convince them (the fans) to give this team another chance. I believe we’ll get there, and the road to doing so starts with understanding the responsibility of that baggy green cap,” Hussey concluded.
Meanwhile, Hussey is currently in India to coach the Chennai Super Kings side in the upcoming IPL. This edition of IPL will start from April 7 with Chennai taking on Mumbai Indians.
Further, here is the newsfeed:
Lehmann is one of the good guys, says Allan Border
Punishment on Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft too harsh- Michael Vaughan