Aussie media savages players

The Australian cricket team has come in for some heavy criticism after they were whitewashed by India in their four match Test series.

India’s victory in Dehli on Sunday means that Australia have lost a series 4-0 for the first time since 1970.

It represents a new low in Australian cricket, that has been in steady decline ever since the first members of their golden generation began to retire around seven years ago.
With no Warne, Gilchrist McGrath or Ponting to turn to, the new generation of Baggy Greens are floundering.

The young side certainly possesses talent, but the manner by which they gave away their wickets repeatedly during this India v Australia tour suggests they may lack the mental toughness required to be successful at this level.

With back-to-back Ashes on the horizon – the next Test they play will be at Trent Bridge in July - there is genuine concern among the media.

Not that they showed it in the aftermath of this defeat, choosing instead to savage the players, including stand-in captain Shane Watson.

"It's official. Australian cricket's class of 2013 are the worst to tour India ... and the nation's worst Test outfit in 34 years. That is the macabre reputation Michael Clarke's battered troops will bring home," wrote the Telegraph.

"...If any player should forensically analyse their form on this shambolic tour, it is Watson.
"The struggling all-rounder can no longer be a selection untouchable after his form slump hit a crisis point during Australia's latest batting collapse.

“In the ultimate indictment, No.11 Nathan Lyon (244 balls) managed to survive more deliveries on this tour than Watson (239). Lyon (18) also finished with a superior batting average to Watson (16.5),"

To read the thoughts of former England skipper Michael Vaughan on Australia, England and this summer’s Ashes, head over to: http://betting.betfair.com/cricket/michaelvaughan/