Published: Jan 30, 2013, 01:16 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 30, 2013, 01:16 PM (IST)
Shane Warne said he is extremely frustrated as an Austrlaian cricket fan © Getty Images
Melbourne: Jan 31, 2013
Australian legendary cricketer Shane Warne on Wednesday shared the first draft of the document he promised to suggest changes in the Australian cricket, adding that if nothing is done now, it will resort to where it was 30 years ago.
As a first change, Warne wants former New Zealand captain and also IPL team Chennai Super Kings’ coach Stephen Fleming as the coach of the Australian national side, amongst many other changes.
Warne wrote on his blog, “In my time Stephen was the best opposition Captain we played against and seeing what Stephen has done first hand re his coaching roles along with knowing him well personally, I believe he brings alot to the table, a calmness, an intelligent understanding of the game and a very good cricket brain. He’s a good communicator too as well as a good leader of men.”
The legendary spinner wants former Australian captain Mark Taylor as the new general manager or Chief Executive Officer of cricket in Australia in general.
“Boss man, cricket supremo. The coach, captain and support staff are answerable to Tub. Tub is in charge of all things cricket.  The reason why I would choose Mark is that he has an understanding from both sides and is a wonderful communicator as well as being very approachable and respected,” Warne wrote on Mark Waugh.
In the first part of the document released on his blog, Warne shared the names of people he wants to see in the Australian selection panel and with the national side as the support staff.
Warne wants former cricketer and teammate Darren Lehmann as the assistant coach of the national side.
“Boof [Darren Lehmann] understands the game as good as anyone and has a great outlook on the game, he’s a good balance of old school and what the needs are of the current day player,” he said.
Michael Hussey and Michael Bevan are the two names Warne suggests as batting coach.
He wrote, “Both respected players and grasp all forms of the game. These guys would be around the team when needed, depending on which form of the game is being played. The coach would liaise with both and give them clarity on when they are required and to be around the group.”
“Bowling Coaches: Merv Hughes / Bruce Reid:  Both have been wonderful players and understand what works and what doesn’t, they also were very clever bowlers and have experience, both have a great attitude and a passion for the game too,” he added.
Warne also opined that former captain and commentator Ian Chappell should be appointed as a consultant for the national side.
“Be on call as a sounding board for any player to talk to at anytime and be around the group when needed. Chaps has been the biggest influence on my cricketing career and understands the game and people. He’s understanding of the game is second to none. He was a great all-round cricketer and also the best Captain to have ever played the game from any country,” he added.
Warne, who opposed the idea of having people from different background in the Australian cricket setup, suggested all names that are from the game itself.
“All the above people are cricket people, not rugby, tennis or from any other sporting code. They all understand the game of cricket, they have lived and breathed the game for a long time and most importantly have the best interests of Australian cricket at heart, along with being super passionate and above all, they just love the game,” he added.
Warne also named his four-man selection panel, which will be headed by Rodney Marsh. The remaining three members will be Mark Waugh, Damien Martyn and Glenn McGrath.
He wrote, “The people who I would put in charge of cricket if available and willing, along with the above selectors (you can give them any title you want)”
