New Delhi: Shane Warne says that it would unfair to make coach Mickey Arthur the scapegoat for Australia's failure on the Indian Tour. Austrlia's legendary leg-sinner said the India Tour is always tough and singling out a person for the poor performance would be uncalled for.
"The entire team is responsible for the poor Australia's show in India. Making Arthur a scapegoat would be unfair on him. I think these guys have never experienced such conditions. It took us two tours to understand India before we finally won a series in 2004," Warne said when asked if Arthur should be sacked.
Warne also supported Arthur's decision to axe four players, including vice captain Shane Watsonsaying that in isolation, the decision looks ridiculous, but there could be something else before that might have led to this.
"If you see the incident in isolation you will find the punishment a bit harsh. But I am sure there must have been many more things in the lead up to the expulsion," Warne told reporters at the sidelines of a Advanced Hair Studio's BLITZ treatment.
Speaking about Shane Watson, Warne said that as the captain of Rajasthan Royals, he was one of the players he wanted desperately. “What disappoints me about Watson is that he’s got only two hundreds in 40 Tests. He’s a far better player than that. Even if he is bowling, I’d like to see him open the batting,” said Warne.
Talking about the coaches and their style, Warne said, coaches at the international level should have played at that level and understand the situations. “Gary Kirsten and Andy Flower, two great cricketers, are coaching two of the best teams. They understand the game.”
Asked why Australia has not been able to produce a quality international spinner, Warne captains need to show more confidence in their spinners and not worry about leaking runs.
“Captains don’t back spinners. There are many youngsters who show potential and spin the ball. But when they get hit for sixes, their captains go back to medium pace and defensive fielding options. These days spinners are expected to contain batsmen. In our times, when we were hit for sixes, it was okay. Our captains were patient with us, which is not the case now.”
By ISN
