Ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, former Australian cricket great Matthew Hayden has called for changes within the national team’s coaching staff, particularly targeting batting coach Michael Di Venuto. Meanwhile, former English captain Michael Vaughan has advised veteran Australian batsman Usman Khawaja to retire on his own terms. Additionally, emerging English player Jacob Bethell is keen to solidify his place in the team despite recent successes.
Hayden’s Critique of Australian Batting Coach
Matthew Hayden has expressed dissatisfaction with Australian batting coach Michael Di Venuto, citing the team’s ongoing struggles at the top of the order. With crucial performances needed from players like Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green in the upcoming Test, Hayden has been vocal about the need for fresh perspectives.
“The faceless men in this cricket team is always an issue,” Hayden stated on the All Over Bar The Cricket podcast. “Michael Di Venuto has been there for at least five years … we need some generationally different voices that sit in that mentality of how you play.”
Hayden, who has been critical of the technical skills of Australia’s batsmen compared to their bowlers, believes that Di Venuto’s tenure has not adequately served the team’s development. He emphasized the need for accountability and adaptation to different playing conditions, whether on green wickets or subcontinental pitches.
“I’m not a fan of him. It’s not a personal thing, I just think, for too long, there has been an influence in this group around batting, and I don’t feel it’s served either the development of the team or the technical element of Test match cricket.”
Khawaja’s Retirement Decision
As Usman Khawaja approaches what could be his final Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Michael Vaughan has advised him to retire on his own terms. Khawaja, who debuted 15 years ago at the same venue, has remained non-committal about his future in Test cricket.
Vaughan, speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, highlighted the importance of Khawaja making his own decision to retire, rather than leaving it to selectors or circumstances.
“I would say to Usman, ‘Don’t let them decide. You decide your destiny’. Usman has had an incredible career, and not many get the chance to say goodbye on their own terms at their own venue.”
Khawaja’s career, spanning 87 Tests, has seen him transition from New South Wales to Queensland, making a potential farewell at his original home ground a fitting conclusion.
Bethell’s Aspiration in the English Team
Jacob Bethell, a promising young cricketer for England, is eager to establish himself in the number three position. Despite a strong performance in the fourth Ashes Test in Melbourne, Bethell acknowledges the challenges ahead.
Bethell’s recent recall to the team saw him replace Ollie Pope and contribute significantly to England’s first victory in Australia since 2011. His gritty innings of 40 in difficult conditions was a testament to his potential and determination.
“I like three,” Bethell told English media. “You come in when the ball is new and in some scenarios the ball’s going all over the shop. But in other scenarios, it presents opportunities to score when bowlers are trying to take wickets and the field is attacking, there’s loads of gaps.”
Despite his recent success, Bethell is aware of the competition for his spot and the need to continue proving himself. England captain Ben Stokes praised Bethell’s character and confidence, highlighting his ability to bounce back from setbacks.
As the Ashes series draws to a close, the spotlight remains on these key figures, with potential changes on the horizon for the Australian team and individual decisions that could shape the future careers of players like Khawaja and Bethell.
