Australian team performance chief Pat Howard has suggested that his side's batting problems might have contributed to the breakdown of bowler James Pattinson and has pleaded for the Sheffield Shield to be restored to its former glory.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Howard admitted the decline of the first-class domestic competition had taken a toll on the performances of the Test team and the development of young batsmen.
Howard also insisted after the Test team sank to a two-nil Ashes deficit that Cricket Australia had made the right call in sacking Mickey Arthur, the report said.
The consequences of Australia being bowled out within 55 overs became even more clear when the bowlers were deprived of a meaningful rest between innings and Pattinson, 23, developed a stress fracture in his lower back, the report added.
