'Hard to know whether to laugh or cry at present state of Oz cricket': Roebuck

Sydney, Nov 18(ANI): Australians are entitled to believe that the country's cricket has reached its lowest point ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, noted cricket commentator Peter Roebuck has said.

"At times it was hard to know whether to laugh or cry. As the setbacks piled up in the past few weeks, Australian cricket could at least console itself that things could not get any worse," Roebuck wrote in his syndicated column for the Sydney Morning Herald.

"After naming 17 players in a premature and preposterous ceremony, suffering as the old guard faltered and the new failed to seize the moment, it seemed a reasonable assumption. To make matters worse, England had made an intelligent and efficient start to their campaign," he added.

Roebuck further said that the 'discouraging' act of Australian Test batsmen in domestic games have been 'demoralising'.

"None of the established men lasted long. Wickets tumbled. Shane Watson tried to withdraw his bat, and was taken on the glove. Katich pushed at a good 'un. Brad Haddin tried to make hay while the clouds hovered, and perished. Moises Henriques can make millions in Twenty20, but his game is flashy," Roebuck wrote.

"Nor did Ricky Ponting prosper when his chance came. As in the previous match, he drove without due care and attention. He has been working hard in the indoor nets, and looks tidy at the crease, but needs a long stint in the middle," he added. (ANI)