Melbourne, December 11: Dearth of quality spinners after the retirement of legendary Shane Warne has forced the authorities to discuss the idea of launching an Australian Idol-type series to unearth the next spin star.
According to a Daily Telegraph report Warne, Stuart MacGill, Ashley Mallett, Terry Jenner and head COE coach Greg Chappell, met at Brisbane to discuss the possibility of orgainsing an Australian Idol-type series where young spin hopefuls could audition before the cameras and be assessed by former slow-bowling stars.
”It was made along with a lot of other suggestions at the meeting and is not central to our strategy,” said Centre of Excellence chief executive Belinda Clark who is preparing a paper on the future of Australian spin bowling.
Leading media buyer Ian Warner from Universal McCann feels such a project to find a world class spinner would be a winner.
”I reckon it would work,” Warner said. ”Cricket is very popular and this time of year a lot of people would watch it. There is a precedent because soccer has done something like it and it has gone well,” he added.
However, Cricket Australia (CA) spokesman Peter Young was fearful the suggestion would create the wrong impression about Australia’s spin-bowling plans.
”It was raised but it is not part of our strategy,” said Young, who claimed CA had full confidence in its development programs. ”I don’t want to create the impression we are using reality television to identify the next Shane Warne.” COE coach Chappell is open to left-field suggestions to preserve Australia’s proud tradition of spin bowling. ”I have always thought at some stage we should do a run around the country, have a day in each state and have a look at who is interested,” Chappell said.
”Our system covers emerging talent pretty well, but you just never know.” ”You might have a fast bowler turn up and realise he is actually a better spinner. Anil Kumble started out as a medium-pace bowler then realised he wasn’t going very far and switched to leg-spin – 619 Test wickets later he had a great career.
”Spin bowling has been a big part of Australia’s past and we want it to be a big part of its future,” he added.
——Agencies