Nasser Hussain says Aussie team structure is flawed

Sydney, March 13 (IANS)

Nasser Hussain feels the decision to drop the players was harsh, although he agrees Michale Clarke and coach Mickey Arthur were right to be disappointed with the four players.

Former England captain Nasser Hussain feels structure of the Australian team management is flawed and suspended vice-captain Shane Watson should have been involved in the decision making process of the team.

Australian cricket finds itself in the middle of controversy following the one-match suspension of Watson, James Pattinson, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Johnson for failing to do their “homework” assigned by the chief coach ahead of the third Test against India beginning in Mohali Thursday.

Hussain, who led England during the era of Australia dominance, said that the four players will never forget the incident and it may hamper the team’s chances in the Ashes later in the year.

“The shenanigans in the Australian dressing room feel wrong on so many levels,” Hussain wrote in his column for Daily Telegraph.

“First up, I do believe Mickey Arthur (coach) and Michael Clarke have been badly let down by the four players who failed to do their homework.”

“It’s lazy and disrespectful of them not to respond to a simple task on a tough tour,” he wrote.

“Second, I find it hard to understand why Shane Watson, the vice-captain, isn’t on the management team.”

“When I was captain, we made sure people felt involved in big decisions – especially the No.2. The whole structure seems wrong.”

Hussain hit out the prevailing spirit in the Australian team, saying the other players should have checked about the homework with the sacked four.

“It also tells me a lot about team spirit. Forget all this rubbish about clapping your team-mates on the balcony for the benefit of the TV cameras.”

“Team spirit should have been someone asking Watson or the other three whether they’d done their feedback – and if not, why not?” said Hussain.

“Having said all that, I do feel the decision to drop the players is just too harsh. This just feels like shooting yourself in the foot,” Hussain added.

“These four guys are never going to forget this. And when they’re in a tight spot in the Ashes later this year, they may just ask themselves who it is they want to perform for.”