Cricket: Australia might not be as bad they are made out to be

Even before the Champions Trophy had started, there were write ups on the Ashes; no, not about the significance of the series, or about the players. In fact, most of them were about why Australia cannot win the Ashes. Now it doesn’t take a genuis to deduce that, given how incredibly awful their recent performances have been. Australia hasn’t won a single international game this year until now, and the English team on the other hand, paper and by performances have been incredibly good. Andy Flower was right in saying that the Australians are not as bad as everyone is making them out to be. As crazy as it may seem right now, there are reasons why I think Australia might pose a strong challenge to the English.

A new head coach

Mickey Arthur’s sacking as head coach, and Darren Lehmann’s appointment as Australia’s new coach has perhaps come as a welcome change to Australian cricket. Lehmann was always the no-bull***t kind of player and brings that to even his coaching techniques – where he addresses the problem straight on. He has proven his mettle as a coach in the IPL. The Deccan Chargers, who finished last in the first season, ended up winning in the second season under his guidance. He turned it around for the team, and the Australians would be hoping he has a similar effect on the national team.