Cricket: Steindl can't stick or twist as Scots rebuild against Aussies

Published on Thursday 27 August 2009 09:44

THERE isn't much room for a rock and a hard place on the 22-yard strip that separates batsman from bowler in the cricketing arena.

But that situation pretty much exists to test Scotland coach Peter Steindl as he prepares to send a team out to face world champions Australia at citylets Grange, Edinburgh, tomorrow.

On the one hand Scotland's failure to qualify for the 2011 One day World Cup has necessitated an instant rebuilding programme to ensure mature talent when the subsequent global tournament comes around. It also probably means swallowing hard and sacrificing a bit of experience when challenges like a team smarting from Ashes defeat come calling.

Quickly it becomes clear that Steindl, a 39-year-old naturalised Scot from Brisbane, wouldn't have it any other way as he balances the need for re-building with what he regards as the ultimate target of having gained "respect" when dust eventually settles.

"You have to be realistic. The majority of Scotland's squad are part-time players competing against proud opponents who will give 100 per cent no matter what," admits Steindl before making it clear it is, nevertheless, a moment to be seized. "It is crucial that we go out and put on a performance by playing hard. We have to gain respect against a cricketing team and a nation that will fight hard for everything it gets.

"It's all well and good being involved in an occasion but it is on performance that you are going to be judged."

Steindl was installed just over 18 months ago and, in many respects, had to pick up the pieces after an extraordinary fall from grace as Scotland slumped from being the No.1 side outwith the Test playing nations while missing out on the World Cup.

"Sport is cyclical and that is the nature of things. Players retired and others dropped out but the attitude has always been one of professionalism, hard work and effort," he says by way of a swipe at critics.

The upside is that Steindl has almost certainly got a bit more time as the need for a fresh approach is recognised, although there is still plenty of pressure.

"Undoubtedly we've had a mixed season. Results in the World Cup qualifiers probably meant that we have started on a rebuilding phase now and we will be afforded a little more time to do that.

"But along with that comes a little bit of pressure. We batted well (in the World Twenty20 finals) against New Zealand and did well (in a friendly) against England. There were also good performances in two of our three recent games against Canada, who are ranked ahead of us, while all the time we were giving young lads opportunities.

"In the long term, relying on the likes of Ross Lyons, Qasim Sheikh and Majid Haq will stand us in good stead but, in the quest for experience, there will be hits and inconsistency. We have to stand strong. This is a genuine, bona fide one day international and an important fixture. I hope the players will realise that every day you are involved in the game is a great opportunity to do something."

One factor in Steindl's favour is that he knows what it's like to play against Australia, having faced his home nation during one of his 28 appearances for his adopted Scotland.

That was in 1997 when he contributed a couple of catches which removed Mark Waugh and Greg Blewett, as well as bowling half a dozen overs without getting a wicket. Soon after the man, who originally arrived here on a one-year contract to play professionally but met the woman who was to become his wife and settled into a career with Cupar and RH Corstorphine, began to climb the coaching ladder.

Now he faces the ultimate challenge against a country with the capability to field a team led by Michael Clarke and liable to include Brett Lee and Michael Hussey, amongst others.

"It's another day at work, albeit the blue riband fixture of the year in Scotland," he says dismissing any suggestion of a dual interest. He added: "Every day at work is a great day if you are getting up to be involved the game you love."

Be afraid ...be very afraid. The Aussie dangermen

BRETT LEE

Veteran fast bowler with 310 Test wickets to his name who will be raring to go after missing out on the entire Ashes series due to a rib injury sustained right at the start of the tour. Scotland's batsmen will not be looking forward to facing him.

MITCHELL JOHNSON

Something of a roller-coaster year for the man who was discovered by fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee as a 17-year-old. Gradually found form with the ball in the ashes series and was brilliant in South Africa in the early part of 2009.

MICHAEL CLARKE

Middle-order batsman and vice captain who will stand in for the unavailable Ricky Ponting tomorrow. Was voted Australia's player of the Ashes series and seems destined for greatness. Made 151 on his 2004 Test debut against India.

BEN HILFENHAUS

One-time Tasmanian bricklayer who rose to prominence by being named Bradman Young Australian Cricketer of 2007. The fast bowler finished the Ashes series as Australia's top wicket taker with 22 at an average of 27.45. Second cousin of Ponting.

TIM PAYNE

Wicket-keeper who gets his big chance on a ground previously graced by Tasmanian team-mate George Bailey who was previously professional at the Grange club. Stands in for Brad Haddin who has returned home injured.