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Healy hits back at Di Venuto and "inconsistent rules"
SEN • July 11th, 2025 2:48 pm
Former Test cricketer Ian Healy has fired back at Australian batting coach Michael Di Venuto.
Last month, Healy criticised Di Venuto on the basis that Australia’s batting had fallen in form since his return to coaching the side in 2021.
Speaking to the press in the lead up to Australia’s third test against the West Indies in Jamaica, Di Venuto said he was disappointed by Healy’s criticism, noting that batting has become more difficult with more unpredictable conditions compared to yesteryear.
“Disappointing, but that’s Heals’ opinion, isn’t it?” he said.
“We don’t hide behind the fact that we haven’t functioned as a unit for the last couple of years.
“But conditions, ball changes, everything like that, it’s hard work, domestic cricket as well.
“I think gone are the days, the era that I played, where they’re flat wickets. So you had 15, 20 blokes averaging 50, 60, 80, 100 in domestic cricket and the same in Test cricket.
“The legends that played through that time, they were playing on very good wickets as well. So conditions have changed, balls have changed. It’s a lot tougher.
“If he's so worried about it, he can call me.”
Responding to Di Venuto’s comments, Healy was adamant that if players were unable to cope with the tougher conditions, then they shouldn’t be selected for the side.
“He mentions very quickly how difficult batting has become,” Healy said on SENQ’s Breakfast.
“So, it’s swinging and seaming (on) the pitches last summer out here in Australia were lively, really lively.
“But they’re applying inconsistent rules for the likes of Konstas, Khawaja and Green compared to McSweeney. Where’s he?
“So batting is more difficult, then that’s even more reason why I should call for balance.
“You need to be balanced watching the ball closely; your bat playing perfect, and you’re a chance (of playing).
“If you haven’t got any of that when it’s swinging and seaming and becomes harder, you’re no chance.”
Australia will begin its third and final test against the West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston on Sunday at 4:30am (AEST).
SEN will have live coverage of the test match across its radio network and on the SEN app.
