India one of the toughest environment to blood new talent, says Don Argus

Cricket Australia (CA) has been effective in their efforts to implement the recommendations made in the Argus review, but in times of crisis, everyone will have to "hold their steel," says Don Argus.

Don Argus felt that the Australian selection committee under John Inverarity had adhered to the recommendation made by the review comittee © Getty Images

Sydney: Mar 6, 2013

Cricket Australia (CA) has been effective in their efforts to implement the recommendations made in the Argus review, but in times of crisis, everyone will have to “hold their steel,” says Don Argus.

The former BHP Billiton chairman has warned against panic and expressed lack of emphasis on the spin bowling and coaching structure in Australia. He also warned against the scheduling of tournaments such as Big Bash League (BBL), saying the major objectives cannot be ignored.

Argus told Sydney Morning Herald, “They have been quite bold in implementing a lot of the stuff and going down the recommendation path in the report. Everyone wants instant success whether they’re in corporations, football clubs or cricket clubs and the trouble when you go through a transition or succession phase is that impatience manifests itself [as] emotion.”

He added, “Up until this series, the guys have done pretty well in trying to unearth new talent and things like that. Everyone is going to have to hold their steel here to get the ultimate outcome because if you start thrashing around in water then you drown, and up until now I think they’ve held it pretty well.”

“I think India is probably the toughest environment of all to blood new talent and that’s what is happening,” he added.

Argus said the report’s ultimate goal – to help Australia become No 1 side in Test cricket by 2015 – was absolutely achievable.

The Australian selection panel led by John Inverarity has “by and large” adhered to the recommendation made by the review committee, Argus said.

Talking about the need to impact of the Big Bash, Argus said, “If you deviate from your priorities, if you compromise on your plan … you’ll always get caught out. If Test cricket is the No.1 game, and we say it is, that’s the way it is.”

He added, “Scheduling sporting events is one of the toughest things there is, but we’ve got to take the self-interest out of it, and make sure we are all aware of what the objectives are. If we fall into the self-interest test, of we need more money or something like that, then we are in disarray.”