Berry blasts South Australian seniors
February 16, 2012 17:14:37 UK
After watching his side lose out to Victoria Bushrangers in their Bupa Sheffield Shield match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, South Australia's coach Darren Berry lashed out at his team's senior players.
Chasing a target of 302 runs for victory, SA came up just 35 runs short, after which Berry expressed his disappointment at the efforts of some of his team's experienced members.
I think this whole season for South Australia has been a big learning curve, for them to understand what is required to win at the top level.
Darren Berry
South Australia are 1.90 to win the Ryobi Cup, while upcoming opponents Tasmania are 1.90 to win the title.
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In the post-match interview, a visibly frustrated Berry said: "(Tom) Cooper and (Callum) Ferguson, our two senior pros batted through the first session beautifully, navigated us to within reach of a victory, needing 130 runs to win—with two senior batsman in.
"Both of them out within half an hour after tea—unacceptable. Unacceptable. And so long as our senior players continue to do that South Australia will continue to lose games of cricket."
He then said that it is the seniors' responsibility to take charge and turn around the fortunes of the ailing South Australian region.
"Our senior players needed to stand up today, and Peter Siddle stood up for them and took six wickets and our senior players were okay, but okay doesn't win you Sheffield shield matches," Berry added.
"I think this whole season for South Australia has been a big learning curve, for them to understand what is required to win at the top level and it is a team that's lost for a long period of time. When you consistently lose, the belief is not there. And the only way you get to believe is if you [perform] repeatedly."
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