Australians dwarfed by Englishmen, says Justin Langer
Days after Ashes 2009 ended, theories refuse to. Now, former Australian opener Justin Langer has come up with a new theory that offers some interest read. He has offered a hypothesis on Australia’s Ashes debacle, saying the visitors came a cropper against England because of their pace bowlers’ lack of height. While this observation might amuse many, it is also bound to raise many eyebrows if one gets to read the text of his column in BBC Sports.
Langer pointed out that the relatively taller English pacers consistently outshone their Australian counterparts throughout the series, which proved decisive in the end.
“The main issue with Australia’s attack is its lack of height. If you compare Australia’s unit with Andrew Flintoff, Steve Harmison and Stuart Broad, there is a significant difference in height and therefore bounce of each attack,” he explained.
According to him, the likes of the pace trio of Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus did try their best but their short height meant they did not generate enough bounce and with the result, they could not get in more purchase from the wickets in England. The ex-opener also pointed out that the selectors would have to look into domestic cricket and unearth beanpole pacers who can do the job for the team.
“Unless the conditions suit swing bowling, height is the crucial aspect for most fast bowlers so Australia, like all countries, might be searching basketball courts and beyond to bring some tall men back to England in 2013,” Langer said.
Langer played his bit in Australia’s Ashes preparation, putting together a damning dossier on the English cricketers, highlighting their frailties even though it could not prevent the visitors’ Ashes debacle.
“My “leaked dossier” has been the butt of many derogatory comments and while I will take these on the chin, those with any sense will keep a humble head amid the deserved euphoria of this Ashes triumph,” Langer said.
Langer believes the Ashes defeat was a “humbling experience for all Australians”, especially after the team ruled for so long.
“Having spent so long on the throne, it almost seems like sacrilege that they are now dwindling down the ladder. For the first time in ages they are now the hunters rather than the hunted and it is going to be fascinating to see if they can climb back up the ladder as emphatically as they have in the past,” he said.
“In contrast to 2005, when losing the Ashes proved to be a blip on Australia’s impeccable record, my gut feeling is that this new journey is potentially bumpier than it was then,” Langer added.
