Cricket Australia’s Todd Greenberg rejects golf link to Usman Khawaja back spasms
Greenberg, however, added that Khawaja and other players should be accountable for their performance throughout the series as they were given space to prepare in the way they thought best.
“That’s exactly how Andrew McDonald and his team worked for a long time, and they were very successful at it,” he said.
“Individual performance in a team environment and ultimately being held accountable for your performance. This is maturity and the current approach.”
A 19-wicket day got the Ashes off to an extremely fast start with fears the Perth Test might not get too close to day three. Greenberg acknowledged that Starc’s decision to move the opening test of the summer from Brisbane to Perth for three years was not well-liked by the players.
“I know Mitch was talking about the Gabba, I’m not sure he wants to take that back after seven yesterday,” Greenberg joked. “But I’m not sure if the Gabba really gives us an advantage. I’m not sure it’s an advantage, especially given the tempo attack of these teams.”
“I understand why the team wants certain things and the team will understand why I need certain things. Ultimately, it’s my job to take the shot and make the decision that I think is best for Australian cricket, which is what we’ve done here.”
Osman Khawaja.Credit: Getty Images
“If I was in this business making friends, this wasn’t it. You have to do what you think is the best decision for cricket.”
But Greenberg admitted the early rush to the wickets risked affecting CA’s profitability in a season where the game’s administrators are trying to end six years of balance sheet deficits.
Loading
“This is tough on a lot of different groups, especially our broadcasters, us in terms of ticket sales, our partners and sponsors, so there’s a huge economic impact on this series,” Greenberg said.
“I’m actually worried about getting to day three before we get to day four, I don’t want to get too ahead of myself. I expect the field to flatten out a bit today.”
“Cricket has been in deficit over the last few years due to Covid and it is absolutely essential that we make as much money as we can this year to get back into the sport.”
News, results and expert analysis from the sports weekend are delivered every Monday. Sign up for our sports newsletter.
