Thaindian News

Sydney, Dec 31 (IANS) Australia cricket coach Tim Nielsen is on the verge of his third failed Ashes campaign, but believes that he is the best person to lead the side through the upcoming transition period. Australia have slumped to two embarrassing innings defeats in the Ashes and threw away a strong position in Brisbane, conceding 1-517 in the second innings in a demoralising draw.

But Nielsen said the team had been “close in a few games”.

“We started the series well, we had a terrible 15 minutes to start the Adelaide Test match and before we knew it, we were bundled out of that Test match as well. I questioned myself quite strongly after that game. Did our preparation give us the best chance of starting well and being in the game?” Nielsen was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

“There’s always those questions, like every time when a player gets out or doesn’t bowl, they question, ‘Am I good enough, and what do I need to do to keep improving? We haven’t quite finished a few games off. That creates doubts in your own mind but overall I feel as if we’re seeing some young players develop, he said.

“We’re seeing some good performances from most of the group, we’re being competitive … we just haven’t got over the line in the last Test match, which means we haven’t been able to regain the Ashes. That’s the ultimate measuring stick,” he said.

Since taking over after the 2007 World Cup, under Nielsen’s tenure Australia had the urn only by inheritance and another defeat in England in 2013, after which his contract expires, would see him become the Billy Murdoch of coaches.

“I haven’t enjoyed the results the last four or five days … but I’m certainly looking forward to the opportunity to help the team come out what we’ve just gone through and show that we are a good strong cricket side and a team full of character,” Nielsen said.

“It’s hard for me to sit here and say I’m not doing a good job, I believe I am. I believe I’m doing everything in my ability with my staff and the playing group to perform at the highest level that we can.

“I haven’t enjoyed the results the last four or five days … but I’m certainly looking forward to the opportunity to help the team come out what we’ve just gone through and show that we are a good strong cricket side and a team full of character,” Nielsen said.