It is disappointing for players more than anybody else, says Australian batting coach Graeme Hick

Team Australia batting coach Graeme Hick feels that the recent collapses of the Australian batting order is a big problem that needs to be addressed. With the coveted Ashes coming up, Australia have very little time to sort things out. In the recently concluded ODI series against India, there were quite a few instances when the batting letting the Aussies down.

On a couple of occasions, openers Aaron Finch and David Warner set up the base for huge scores in the match. However, the middle-order failed to capitalize on them. The collapse in the middle-order often hampered the good show by the top order. The instability in the order is a big concern for the team. As per the quotes in cricket.com.au, Graeme Hick mentioned that the players are keen on working on this problem.

“There’s no hiding from it and we’re certainly going to try and start making amends. Especially with the Ashes coming up, we certainly don’t want to be losing wickets in clumps. Our batting collapses are (mental). The players are all there, their techniques are set and they’re all very different and all very individual. Every side collapses at times, but at the moment we seem to be doing it quite a bit in both forms of the game. So I think it is a bit of a mental thing,” quoted Graeme Hick.

Collapse after a big partnership

Graeme Hick noted that it is often after a big partnership when the batting collapse usually takes place. He cited that the rush to put up the pads on after having waited in a thought procedure that the services might not be required at all, is more of a mental thing than a physical preparation. Adding further, he mentioned that the natural game for the Aussies has been playing aggressive cricket.

“At times when it happens, especially after a long partnership, people sometimes get a little bit relaxed thinking everything is OK and you’re maybe not preparing mentally for that,” mentioned the former cricketer.

“And the next thing you know you’re strapping your pads on, two or three wickets are down, and you’re out there. Maybe there’s a little bit of that. It happens in all cricket but it’s certainly something we’ve identified. You need to identify that (it’s) an important time in the game and maybe just hold yourself back a little bit. Our natural game is quite an aggressive game and at times maybe we need to step back a bit, let a few balls through to the keeper, have a look, take a few deep breaths and suck the atmosphere in rather than chasing things,” he added further.

Players gutted more than anyone else

Speaking further on the same note, Graeme Hick rightly admitted that the media and the fans can continue saying a lot of things. However, it is the players who are disappointed more than anybody else after the recent ODI series loss. He cited that the players know they have to step up and perform as professionals.

“You can talk as much as you want about it, but they need to perform on the field. They know that, they’re professionals and they were gutted at the end of (the ODI series). It’s disappointing for all. Them more than anyone else,” conceded the batting coach.