‘Things went wrong’

Press, 28 January 1983, Page 26

‘Things went wrong’

NZPA Sydney The Australian cricket captain, Kim Hughes, described Australia’s performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday night against England as its worst in the World Series Cup so far. “Things went wrong in a hurry,” was Hughes’ summary. England was all out for 207 in its innings and defeated Australia by a crushing 98 runs when the home side could manage only 109 from 27.3 overs.

Out of favour, Robin Jackman burst back from obscurity to take three wickets for 41 in the Australian rout. He has remained on the sidelines since December 22 when England played Tasmania in a one-day clash in Launceston. “We had 16 selected to do a job here — I’m only one of the party,” said Jackman. .“It’s a hazard you take. "I was a bit astray to start, but getting Kim Hughes’ wicket put me right back into my rhythm,” he said. It was Hughes’ 29th birthday — and Australia Day — but those were the only events celebrated in the Australian dressing room after the game. The Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm Fraser, visited the Australians and told Hughes: “You got rid of all your bad shots today.” Jackman fired out not only the Australian captain without scoring, but also Greg Chappell no score and Kepler Wessels, batting down the order, for one. “We batted badly,” Hughes said. “We were two for 70 and all out for 109. “Those sort of figures are just not on,” he said. Hughes said that the Australians had been surprised that Jackman had been neglected in the one-day games. He said that Jackman was experienced, had been around and had the potential that he realised on Wednesday night.

“He should be there for the rest of the series,” he said.