Why Australia N0 1 team for ever?
Having won all of the three most recent One Day International World Cups, it is but no surprise that Australia is number one in the world. Apart from an 2009 Ashes defeat to England in England, they have pretty much crucified every team on the test stage as well.
What is the key to the success of the Australian team?
Their strength lies in their grooming system. Cricket is encouraged not just as a sport but as a serious career path from the very early stages. Cricket academies nurture and groom players at an intensity level that most other countries have never heard of. The Australian Cricket Academy was set up in 1987 as a school that polished promising cricketers. The academy was well funded by the Australian Cricket Board and sponsors which ensured that only the very best of services were provided to the players. The result was that almost every player on the current Australian side roster has graduated from there. The most notable mentions are Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Brett Lee and many others.
Quality of infrastructure
Australia is a country that has a very low density population. It also has vast spaces of very fertile lands that have allowed for public parks to crop up in great numbers. Some of the public parks in Australia are so lush and green and is just a sheer pleasure to play on. This is in stark comparison to badly maintained grounds in countries like India or Pakistan where the common man has to most likely settle for an outfield of mud without a trace of grass.
Fielding Skills.
This is one aspect where Australia beats out any other country by a huge margin consistently. It is estimated that the Australian fielding side saves about 25-30 runs every match with excellent diving stops, run outs and half chance catches. Part of their success in fielding can be attributed to their wonderful grounds. Kids dive around on the lush green grass when they are young and they are able to develop on that skill as they get older. In cricket loving countries like India, you will rarely see a player dive to stop a ball as it is just not practical to bruise an elbow with every dive on a hard ground.
What is the key to the success of the Australian team?
Their strength lies in their grooming system. Cricket is encouraged not just as a sport but as a serious career path from the very early stages. Cricket academies nurture and groom players at an intensity level that most other countries have never heard of. The Australian Cricket Academy was set up in 1987 as a school that polished promising cricketers. The academy was well funded by the Australian Cricket Board and sponsors which ensured that only the very best of services were provided to the players. The result was that almost every player on the current Australian side roster has graduated from there. The most notable mentions are Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Brett Lee and many others.
Quality of infrastructure
Australia is a country that has a very low density population. It also has vast spaces of very fertile lands that have allowed for public parks to crop up in great numbers. Some of the public parks in Australia are so lush and green and is just a sheer pleasure to play on. This is in stark comparison to badly maintained grounds in countries like India or Pakistan where the common man has to most likely settle for an outfield of mud without a trace of grass.
Fielding Skills.
This is one aspect where Australia beats out any other country by a huge margin consistently. It is estimated that the Australian fielding side saves about 25-30 runs every match with excellent diving stops, run outs and half chance catches. Part of their success in fielding can be attributed to their wonderful grounds. Kids dive around on the lush green grass when they are young and they are able to develop on that skill as they get older. In cricket loving countries like India, you will rarely see a player dive to stop a ball as it is just not practical to bruise an elbow with every dive on a hard ground.
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