Hookes has his say - again.

[Donny]

Hookes slams salary packs

By Roger Vaughan - Fox Sports


AUSTRALIA'S top cricketers need to do more to justify their generous salaries, according to outspoken Victorian coach David Hookes.

He said the players association would have a much tougher fight when it starts negotiations with Cricket Australia for a new collective bargaining agreement.

Hookes seemed to back up the sentiments of Australian coach John Buchanan, whose leaked letter criticised the attitude of national team members during the second Test loss to India in Adelaide.

"Now Australian cricketers are never that bright, but on the third day of the Test match (in Adelaide), when things were going hunky dory, a few of the Australian players were in the dressing room discussing in front of national selector Andrew Hilditch how they could get an injury to miss the next weeks Pura Cup matches," Hookes said.

"That's not very bright at the best of times, but certainly not when an Australian selector is there.

"I don't think you'll see Cricket Australia roll over (in upcoming negotiations) like they did to the players last time – there'll be a few fights on their hands.

"The players association has done a wonderful job but there's an element of give and take – and I don't think the players are giving back to the game."

Hookes was speaking here this morning at an official breakfast before the Boxing Day Test against India.

He added he found it staggering when New South Wales coach Geoff Lawson told him Brett Lee probably would not bowl faster than 140km/h again.

Lee was recalled from injury for the third Test and opened the attack this morning.

"If he doesn't bowl more than 140kph ever again, you'd have to wonder why he would stay in the side," Hookes said.

"He doesn't swing or seam the ball, it was his genuine pace that got him early wickets as a youngster so he's got some work to do, Brett."

[JLC]

Hooksy is a straight shooter and a breath of fresh air. He is a large part of the reason why Victorian cricket is back on track. He wasnt scared to do something different by promoting the likes of Cameron White, McDonald, Moss and Hussey and giving these guys a chance. He had the guts to call it quits with Fleming and went for new blood.

jlc