Australian cricket icon Matthew Hayden has launched a stinging critique of the national team's batting leadership, directly blaming coach Michael Di Venuto for the side's technical frailties exposed during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.
An 'Unacceptable' MCG Scorecard
Despite Australia already securing the Ashes series with victories in the first three Tests, Hayden expressed deep concern over the batting performances in Melbourne. While acknowledging the pitch was tricky for batters, he labelled the collective output as completely below standard. "That's an unacceptable scorecard. I don't care if it was 50 millimetres of grass. They need to be better than that," Hayden declared on the 'All Over Bar The Cricket' podcast.
The statistics starkly supported his argument. In the first innings, Michael Neser's 35 was the top score, with only Usman Khawaja joining him in passing 20 runs. The second innings offered little improvement, with Travis Head (46), Steve Smith (24 not out), and Cameron Green (19) being the sole batters to reach double figures.
Technical Troubles and a 'Faceless Man'
Hayden pinpointed fundamental technical issues across the batting order, suggesting the bowlers were currently displaying superior methods. He questioned why players like Head, Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, and Green appeared "at sea with their basic techniques." The former opener then turned his focus to the coaching structure, identifying Di Venuto as the "faceless man" in the setup who must be held accountable.
"Michael Di Venuto has been there at least five years," Hayden noted, arguing that with an impending generational change in the batting lineup, the team requires fresh voices and a new mentality. He stressed his criticism was not personal but professional, stating he was simply "not a fan" of the influence Di Venuto has wielded.
A Call for New Voices and Accountability
Expanding his critique, Hayden argued that the technical deficiencies have been evident not just on green Australian wickets but also in subcontinental conditions, where Australia has been competitive without mastering the necessary skills. He referenced a past series in Delhi where he felt batters employed incorrect sweeping tactics on a non-turning pitch.
Hayden also expressed concern for all-rounder Cameron Green, suggesting he is "not getting technical advice for a player of his standard" as he fights to retain his spot for the fifth Test. The core of Hayden's argument was a need for accountability and evolution. "It's nothing personal against Diva but at some point, you have to take accountability," he concluded, pushing for a strategic shift in batting philosophy to secure the team's future success.
