Published: Feb 18, 2016, 07:03 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 18, 2016, 11:51 AM (IST)
Current Australian dressing room culture is stronger and more democratic with the appointment of Steven Smith as captain after Michael Clarke’s retirement, says fast bowler John Hastings. The Victorian pace man who refrained from criticizing Clarke did say that with many head strong personalities in the team that time, he did feel scared to speak up in the team meeting, with the likes of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey. Hastings , who played just a single match under Clarke said, “I don’t know whether it’s because I was younger, I was a bit more afraid to speak my mind.” He added that under Smith’s captaincy communications are more open and honest is always at most importance. ALSO READ: New Zealand vs Australia 2015-16: Peter Siddle ruled out of 2nd Test at Christchurch due to back problem
“For me it’s brilliant. I can just go in and no question’s too dumb,” Hastings said in an interview to RSN Radio. “If you think you’ve seen something on the field, you bring it up,” he further elaborated.
Hastings felt that the current crop of players for Australia have a positive vibe about them which only comes from playing with and against each other at all levels of the game. “These guys who are playing now have played together through under-19 World Cups,” he said. “They’ve played against each other. They’ve played with each other. “It’s actually a really close group of friends as well.”
But Hastings was quick acknowledge that the team would need to “gel” ahead of the T20 World Cup in India. He added that the T20I series against South Africa in South Africa will be a great step as it would get their winning momentum back after home series lost against India last month. India historically white-washed Australia 3-0 in a bilateral T20 series at their backyard.
