“You’d like to think that that batting line-up should be able to find its way to 140, 150 at the best of times, and then you’re probably having a different conversation,” Bailey said.
In Group 1, New Zealand, England and Australia all posted three wins, a loss and a no result from a washout to finish on seven points, but Australia were the only one of the three leading teams to have a negative net run rate.
New Zealand thrashed Australia in their opening Twenty20 World Cup match.Credit:Getty
Despite the closeness of the final table the Australians looked flat, failing to find the spark that ignited their T20 World Cup triumph in Dubai last year.
“I think one of the great strengths of Australian cricket has been its ability to be able to recognise when to make that gear change into a different playing roster,” Hayden said.
“It’s a little bit like Mark Waugh giving way to someone like myself after World Cup campaigns, it’s been quite ruthlessly preparing for the next World Cup and they seemingly come around more often than not.”
Australia must now begin preparing for next year’s 50-over World Cup in India, with three one-day matches against England beginning in Adelaide next week ahead of the Test series against the West Indies. The next T20 World Cup is in the USA and West Indies in 2024.
Matthew Hayden questioned why Mitchell Starc was left out of the Australian side for their last match.Credit:Getty Images
A great mate of former coach Justin Langer, Hayden spent his 51st birthday with his old opening partner in Perth last week. Hayden was strongly critical of Langer’s messy removal as coach earlier this year but more discerning on Tuesday.
“We all know the culture of Australian cricket has been challenged over the last four or five years,” Hayden said, referring to the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal. Langer was appointed specifically to help repair the damage.
“There has to be some improvements in all departments, especially I think their fast bowling attack,” Hayden added, although he questioned the dropping Mitchell Starc for Australia’s last match against Afghanistan.
“Strategically, as well, not playing Mitchell Starc, our premium bowler, for that game was really significant as well. Davey Warner, his performance in the World Cup wasn’t as special as it was in the last World Cup.”
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