Cricket Australia (CA) have defended their light preparation for the first Test in Perth, adamant the current system of keeping players fresh had long brought results.
Almost every aspect of Australia’s 295-run loss to India in Perth has come under the microscope in recent days, with a lengthy gap until the second Test in Adelaide.
Australia’s build up to the Border-Gavaskar series has also become part of the public discourse, following their worst loss in terms of runs for the opening Test of a home summer since 1936-37.
Only Nathan McSweeney, Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey played more than two first-class games before the Test, despite four Sheffield Shield rounds being built into the schedule.
Australia’s players, including batters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, were then pulled from the last ODI against Pakistan before the Tests.
Captain Pat Cummins also entered the first Test without any red-ball cricket, while Smith played only one Sheffield Shield round and was rested from others.
But CA’s general manager of national teams Ben Oliver insisted the process was the right one before the team, with Australia keen to keep their players fresh ahead of a five-Test home summer and two more in Sri Lanka.
“It’s a very experienced team and they have had a really consistent approach to the way they have prepared for international series over a long period of time,” Oliver said.
“That has served them well with some really strong performances across formats over the last few years.
“There is a lot of trust and a lot of confidence in the method they are using to prepare.
“What I do know is they will be recovering from this first Test, working in their home-state environments, and coming to Adelaide.
“They will be very thorough and work hard in the lead up to the Test match and be very well prepared come the start of the Test.”
Oliver’s comments come after Cummins insisted preparation was not the issue in the aftermath of the loss.
Former captain Michael Clarke was among those critical of pulling players out of the final ODI against Pakistan, suggesting they did not care if they won the series.
Australia’s players have been given this weekend out of camp, with some training back at their state bases and none involved in the Prime Minister’s XI game in Canberra.
The group will then gather in Adelaide one day ahead of schedule on Monday, with all eyes to be on Mitch Marsh’s sore ankle before the first ball on Friday.
The uncapped Beau Webster has been called into the squad and is expected to remain with the group in Brisbane.
Even if Marsh is fit for Adelaide, there are questions over whether he will be fine to be Australia’s fourth quick in back-to-back Tests, with only a three-day gap before the Gabba Test.
“All the players we are working with to make sure they are very well prepared for a five-Test series,” Oliver said.
“Injuries and niggles and soreness are things that have to be managed through that period of time.
“What the selectors seek to do is make sure they have a squad of players they can call on depending on conditions and how they track through each game.
“Certainly it is a great opportunity for Beau to get around the group. We know he will be well prepared if required.”
