States Take Tougher Stance

With all six states releasing their initial contract list for the 2003/04 Australian domestic season, it is evident a much harder line has been taken with underachieving players than in previous years.

It seems that, finally, the days are gone when a good cricketer can simply hold his place in a state team on reputation alone. The recent introduction of contract-based squads has clearly been a positive in this regard.

Thanks to Cricket Australia (formerly the Australian Cricket Board), a restriction to squad numbers means players must work harder than ever before to keep their place, no matter what their ability.

And with a wealth of promising cricketers coming up through the ranks, coaches and selectors have realised that one or two seasons of poor return from a player may well mean it is time to move on.

South Australia and Victoria have each made difficult decisions over the past month. Players that have proven they can perform at first class level, or even those who posess enormous but so far unfulfilled potential, have been shown the door.

But the reality is that in every case, the player in question has not fulfilled their ability in recent times. Undoubtedly this means someone else deserves an opportunity.

Of all the recent player omissions, those of Michael Klinger and Bradley Young would seem the harshest. Yet unfortunately for each, their recent records simply assist in backing up their non-selection.

Victorian Klinger was Australian Under 19 captain of the team that included young batting prodigy Michael Clarke as vice-captain. If that isn't enough proof of his ability, the fact that he is clearly one of the most talented young players in the country certainly is.

Yet with one-day and first-class averages in the mid-twenties after three years, David Hookes and his team were forced to make the agonising call of terminating his Victorian career.

Klinger has already indicated he will be leaving to play for a state that wants him, and it is highly likely he will be quickly snapped up. But when you have so much ability and haven't scored a hundred in more than sixty innings at state level, you'd usually expect to be dropped.

Brad Young is the only cricketer ever to take a hat-trick in the Commonwealth Games. The 30-year-old veteran of six one-day internationals has been a mainstay in the Southern Redbacks' line-up for several seasons, yet his figures simply do not add up.

Young has taken 141 wickets at over 44 in first class cricket. After returning from a knee reconstruction last season, he managed only six wickets at 52 from just four appearances.

While he is a capable and hard-hitting lower order batsman, this alone is not enough to keep him in the side. He is generally regarded more as a one-day player, and even in this area he has struggled in recent times.

Unlike Klinger, Young does not have age on his side. One could not see him relocating, and it may be that Young has played his last game for South Australia. This would be most unfortunate, as he is one of the more likeable players in the country. But popularity doesn't win games of cricket.

Apart from Klinger and Young, New South Wales' perennial underachiever Corey Richards has also had his contract terminated after a decade of up and down batting displays. At times brilliant and at times equally frustrating, Richards faces a difficult few months as he assesses his cricketing future.

While the three mentioned above were some of the higher profile cricketers to miss out, there are others who have shown glimpses at first class level that would also count themselves unlucky.

Bushrangers fast bowler Ian Hewett enjoyed a stellar 2001/02 season, yet injuries prevented him from playing a match in 2002/03. Along with teammate and promising quick Will Carr, he has been surprisingly discarded.

The Redbacks delisted four batsmen, with batting being arguably the weakest aspect of their game. No doubt this is an indication that mediocrity will no longer be accepted.

Tasmania had no room for Shane Jurgensen, who seemed to have resurrected his career before being dropped prior to the end of the season. And Luke Williams, who could not gain a berth with the Tigers after crossing from South Australia, is gone.

For all the disappointment these young men will no doubt suffer, it doesn't necessarily mean the end. Players can still be picked for their state despite being uncontracted.

However it will certainly be an eye-opener for the likes of Klinger and Young, and only hard work and a greater output at club level will enable them to see further action in the first class game.

Posted by JohnC