COLOMBO:
Rankings will mean nothing when play starts at the World Twenty20 and Australia are serious about winning the tournament for the first time, said captain George Bailey.
Australia, who have won the 50-over World Cup four times and are the most successful Test playing nation of all time, are ranked ninth in the world in the shortest form of the game.
Their best finish in the three editions of the mega event was reaching the final at the last edition in 2010 but Bailey said the country’s approach to the format had altered.
“It’s the one trophy we don’t have in our cabinet and it’s something we’re looking to rectify,” said Bailey.
“Australia didn’t really take Twenty20 that seriously, I certainly think that’s changed. [But] it doesn’t change overnight, it takes a bit of time to catch up.”
Australia face Ireland in their opening match next week before meeting the West Indies the following Monday.
Hogg determined to make most of recall
Meanwhile, Australia’s Brad Hogg will be the oldest player at the World Twenty20, but the 41-year-old is determined to make the most of his unlikely recall.
Hogg, a left-arm spinner who played seven Tests and 123 One-Day Internationals, quit the game four years ago and took up commentary. But a stint last season in the Australian Big Bash T20 league convinced the national selectors that Hogg was still good enough to play in the shortest format.
“Some of the lads could be old enough to be my sons,” said Hogg.
“If you work hard and take the opportunities, you make the most of them. I am happy we won two World Cups. To win a World Twenty20 will cap off everything.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 15th, 2012.
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