Rick McCosker, the man who chaired the player-led review into the national teams after the ball-tampering crisis, has weighed into the discussion about Australia's cricket culture, endorsing the leadership of the men's and women's sides.
A week before the start of the marquee series against India, the debate sparked by former captain Michael Clarke over how Justin Langer's men should play their cricket has deflected attention away from the traditional discussions about the make up of the home side.
Rick McCosker chaired the player-led review into the national men’s and women’s teams.Credit:Marina Neil
Former greats Matthew Hayden and Mark Waugh, who was on the selection panel when the events in South Africa occurred, are among those who have voiced their support for Clarke after he was lambasted by former teammate Simon Katich.
The talk comes as leading members of the women's team hailed the culture they have created, saying it had been instrumental in their success at the World T20 in the West Indies.
McCosker had played a key role in the penning of the controversial players' pact, which has been ridiculed by Shane Warne and former England captain Michael Vaughan.
The former Test opener, now a chaplain for seafarers in Newcastle, would not comment on Clarke's fiery remarks but has faith in the direction of the respective teams under coaches Justin Langer and Matthew Mott.
"The only comment I can make coming out of that time we spent with the players and past players is I believe our current Australian leadership group – men's and women's – we have at the moment is in good hands," McCosker said.
"My role with CA has finished; we did the job, the players and past players discussed at length what happened in South Africa, how it happened and what can be done about it.
"I believe things have already been put in place by the two coaches, captains, leadership group of both international teams to counter what happened.
"What current and past players want to say is entirely up to them. You have to respect people's views. Whether we agree is another matter, it's not for me to say."
The outcry over the on-field behaviour of the men's team comes at a time when the women's side has been lauded for its performances.
Star batter Rachael Haynes, who captained Australia to Ashes victory last year and played a key role in the side winning a fourth T20 world title, said the seeds for the triumph in the Caribbean had been sowed after their semi-final defeat in the 2017 World Cup.
The team made a pledge to not only improve their skills but to also embrace their fears, which they believed would give them the best chance to realise their potential.
"I know people sometimes put the boot into team culture and words; it's become really meaningful what we stand for, the type of team we want to be and how we connect with the general public," Haynes said.
"We're honest with each other. We talk about how we're feeling, we're prepared to have conversations that, at the time, might be uncomfortable.
"I think that's the sign of a pretty good environment, that someone can stand in front of a team and say, 'I'm a bit nervous about this, what if we don't win'.
"Our team's come such a long way in that respect. It's an environment where people can be themselves and get the best out of themselves."
Healy, who was named player of the tournament for her stunning display with the bat and the gloves, said team members had changed their approach to each other.
"There's no egos when we walk in through the door at training," Healy said. "Everyone's put that aside, it's just willing to play that role for the side. It's something that's really special and will lead to amazing performances the next few years."
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