After their bosses pointedly declined to ensure their positions, selection chief Andrew Hilditch and coach Tim Nielsen, who has faced criticism, may find themselves in precarious situations.
On Tuesday, Australian cricket underwent one of its most significant upheavals when a CA board meeting approved two critical reviews, triggered by the dismal Ashes series performance.
A comprehensive performance review will scrutinize every detail related to the team’s troubling drop to the No. 5 spot in the world, while a governance review is likely to suggest substantial reforms to the antiquated structure of Australian cricket’s board.
During the analysis of the Ashes collapse, attention turned towards Hilditch, who notably avoided accepting any accountability for some baffling choices and mistakes, including the surprising selection of novice spinner Xavier Doherty for the first Test at the Gabba.
Nielsen, meanwhile, faced intense scrutiny after inexplicably being given a three-year extension until the 2013 Ashes, despite overseeing Australia’s alarming slide in the world rankings.
With Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland hinting that he couldn’t promise job security for either Hilditch or Nielsen, patience may be wearing thin.
Now, the destiny of both individuals could be beyond their control.
“If we can thoroughly investigate some of the faults that experts believe have led to this situation, it won’t happen again,” Sutherland stated.
“The implications for individuals in specific roles will emerge gradually through the review process.
“Andrew Hilditch shares my disappointment regarding Australian cricket’s performance in the Ashes and the manner in which we were beaten.”
Known as “Teflon Tim” in cricketing circles, Nielsen maintains such a low profile that criticism rarely seems to stick, rendering him seemingly unaccountable for underwhelming results.
Since assuming the role of head coach from John Buchanan after the 2007 World Cup, Australia has faced losses in two Ashes series, suffered a home defeat to South Africa, and lost two Test series in India.
When questioned about Nielsen’s job security, Sutherland replied, “Each of these factors will be included in the team performance review, which is the only way to address that question honestly.
“The review of team performance must uncover the reasons behind our decline from being the top team in the world to the fifth-ranked Test team in recent years.”
Hilditch, whose contract concludes following the World Cup in April, is unlikely to step down voluntarily.
Buford Balony says: I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ll mention it again. Dismiss Hilditch.
