SA v AUS 2018: Shane Warne calls for more heads to roll after embarrassing South Africa series loss

Australian have to look at the culture of the way they play, says Shane Warne.

Australia lost their first test series in South Africa on Tuesday since 1970 | AP

Spin legend Shane Warne has said on Tuesday, that more heads must roll, on and off the field following Australia's embarrassing South Africa tour. Austra; it lost the four-match Test series 3-1.

Warne, who commented during both the third and fourth Tests in South Africa, believes that not only players should be blamed for their humiliating series defeat against the Proteas side, but Cricket Australia’s top brass must also be held accountable.

The South African side made history by winning their first Test series against Australia since 1969/70 at home. The Proteas clinched the four-match Test series 3-1 by winning the Johannesburg Test by a massive margin of 492-runs against the Kangaroos.

Warne wrote on Tuesday, “Very disappointing one it was too as Australia capitulated. Congrats to SA for the way they played and well done on the series win - to good. Australia have a lot of questions to answer & I believe heads must roll on and off the field! Australia needs new people who are passionate about the game in charge, but understand the game."

It further reads, "Australia can be a force again, but need the right people involved. There is a huge opportunity now for players and people to be leaders. All positions are in jeopardy & need to be looked at, heads must roll.”

However, the series can be termed as one of the most controversial Test series in the history of the game, as it was in headlines for all the wrong reasons, since the first Day of the first Test –from David Warner and Quinton de Kock’ stairwell confrontation at Kingsmead to the ball-tampering row in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, former Australian spinner has lashed out at Cricket Australia (CA), raising questions over the position of CA chief executive James Sutherland and team manager of performance Pat Howard after their first test series loss in South Africa since 1970.

Warne told South African broadcaster Supersport, “Every single position on the field, off the field, starting from James Sutherland at the top, Pat Howard who is in charge of cricket excellence… all these people. The coaches. Batting coaches — when are we going to produce a good batsman?”

The commentator continued, “All these people need to be (held accountable), saying “right — are they good enough for that position? Who else have we got to take their position?’ I think there are a few heads that have to roll. I think it’s a line in the sand for Australian cricket, and it’s time to say — right, this is unacceptable, we cannot play like we’ve seen these last two weeks.”

Commenting on the ball-tampering saga, Warner said, “And what we’ve seen with Steve Smith, Warner, and Bancroft… we don’t want to see that ever again.”

He is highly disappointed with Australia’s performance in the final Test, as Vernon Philander's stunning haul of 6-3 in 5.2 overs cost the touring side seven wickets for a mere 31 runs.

Warne signed off by saying, “That was embarrassing. It was disappointing. It hurt every single Australian. We need to find some players with character who won't give their wickets away easily. These guys are playing with really dodgy techniques and getting found out.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 04 Apr, 2018

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