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Aussie decline similar to Windies: Holding

Last Updated 30 December 2010, 10:30 IST

"There is almost a lost generation of Australian players in their late twenties — players who should have been learning their trade during the 2006-07 Ashes, but couldn't find a spot because there were so many exceptional thirtysomethings in the team," Holding said while explaining the Aussie downfall.

The former fast bowler felt the fall has a lot to do with mindset rather than the skills.

"There comes a tipping point when your opponents realise that you are human after all, and suddenly they stand a foot taller when they walk on to the field against you," he explained.

"A huge amount of cricket is played in the head. I know the power of intimidation from my own time in the West Indies team. We saw players who could dominate other attacks, but when they came up against us they would surrender as meekly as mice," the West Indian wrote in his column for 'Daily Telegraph'.

The Australian team lost the coveted 'urn' to England for the first time in 24 years in a home series during their fourth Ashes Test at Melbourne yesterday.

Attributing the English success to the changing structure in the county circuit, the cricketer-turned-commentator wrote, "You can find structural reasons for the revival of English cricket. County players aren't coasting through the second half of the season any more, because of the two-division system."

He, however, maintained that a talented pool of youngsters always makes a difference. "A lot of it comes down to talent. England have uncovered a decent crop, while the Aussies have had a thin few years," the veteran insisted.

The West Indian, though signified that you cannot do away with the likes of Hayden or Gordon Greenidge. "These people were world-class batsmen, and you have to enjoy your success while it lasts," he maintained.

"But sometimes there can be a hangover after a party. Australia are experiencing one now," Holding wrote.

Australia have plummeted from number one in the world last year to number five.

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(Published 30 December 2010, 10:30 IST)

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