Former Spinner Defends Beleaguered Australian Team, Calls Criticism “Tall Poppy Syndrome.”
In the aftermath of Australia’s crushing 295-run defeat against India in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former spinner Steve O’Keefe has come out in strong support of the Pat Cummins-led side, criticizing the “intense scrutiny” the team has faced following their humiliation.
Australia’s performance in the Perth Test was an anomaly, with the hosts succumbing to their biggest-ever loss against India at home. The collapse of star batters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, as well as the team’s negative tactics employed during India’s second innings, have come under heavy fire from pundits and former cricketers.
However, O’Keefe has dismissed the barrage of criticism as “tall poppy syndrome,” a phenomenon where successful individuals are targeted and criticized, often unjustly.
“It frustrates me. I think the pile-on is unjustified,” O’Keefe told SEN Radio, as quoted by Fox Cricket. “The pile-on is just indicative of a lot of people wanting to come out, tall poppy syndrome in Australia, and latch onto this team.”
Despite acknowledging the high expectations placed on the Australian team, the former spinner argued that the criticism has been “rough” and that the defending Test champions deserve more backing.
“We’re looking at a team that is number one in the world; this is a champion team for a reason. You put these guys in a corner, and they’ll respond — and they have done it time, and time again,” O’Keefe said, expressing confidence in Australia’s ability to bounce back.
The Perth Test was a stark reversal of fortunes for the Australian side, which was widely tipped to dominate on a pitch that was expected to favor their bowling attack.
Instead, India’s resilience, led by stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, saw them roar back into the contest after being bowled out for a modest 150 in the first innings.
