Shane Warne believes Ricky Ponting is among a host of Australian Test greats who should replace under-siege batting coach Graeme Hick.

Days after launching public criticism of Australia’s batting mentor, Warne has called for Cricket Australia to replace ex- England Test batsman Hick.

media_camera Ricky Ponting (L) talks to Shane Warne at the WACA ground in Perth, Western Australia.

Australia has lost 18 from their past 24 matches in all forms, including the defeat to South Africa in the one-off Twenty20 on Saturday.

Warne says it’s time for a change.

“The one thing I would say is ... Australian cricket over the last 25-30 years has had some terrific batsmen,” Warne told AAP on Wednesday.

media_camera Australia cricket team batting coach Graeme Hick during training ahead of the International matches between Australia and India at the Gabba. Picture: AAP Image

“Graeme Hick has been there for the last few years and seen that the players are making the same mistakes all the time; it’s time for a change.”

Warne insisted a number of Australian batting greats could easily take over. “Whether it be Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey ... I’m sure any of those guys could do it,” Warne said.

media_camera Old teammates (L-R) Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh & Shane at Lord's in London.

“We’ve had great cricketers for the past 25 years and they (should) be around the cricket team more often.

“Get Glenn McGrath with the bowlers ... there are so many opportunities.”

Warne was also critical of Australian Cricketers’ Association president Greg Dyer for attempting to reduce the 12-month first-class bans given to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft for their roles in the ball-tampering saga in March.

Aussie bans to stay put Aussie bans to stay put

On Tuesday, Cricket Australia refused to soften any aspect of the bans, meaning Smith and Warner will be restricted to grade cricket for the entire home summer. “I think once the bans were in place, even though I thought they were too harsh at the time, you can’t overrule them,” Warne said.

“I was disappointed Greg Dyer and the Players’ Association even did that, unfortunately.

“You can’t overturn them because Australia’s cricketers are playing so badly.”

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BAILEY GOES IN TO BAT FOR WADE

If Australia are picking the best six batsmen available to face India, Tasmania captain George Bailey believes in-form teammate Matthew Wade must be in the conversation.

Wade, whose international career seemingly ended when he was dumped as Test keeper a year ago, has emerged as a dark horse in selectors’ search for middle- order options.

Trevor Hohns’ panel is expected to meet later this week and settle on an XI for the four-Test series opener that starts on December 6 at Adelaide Oval. Wade is third on the list of Sheffield Shield run-scorers after four rounds, having managed 412 runs at 82.4.

media_camera Matthew Wade of Tasmania (right) batting with Seb Gotch of Victoria watching on day 3 during the Round 4 Sheffield Shield between Tasmania and Victoria at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, Monday, November 19, 2018. (AAP Image/Hamish Blair) EDITORIAL USE ONLY, IMAGES TO BE USED FOR NEWS REPORTING PURPOSES ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE WHATSOEVER, NO USE IN BOOKS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM AAP

Wade has passed 50 on five occasions, with the most recent being an impressive knock of 137 that earned man-of-the-match honours in Tasmania’s loss to Victoria.

The 30-year-old took the gloves for Tasmania in Shield games against Western Australia and Queensland but has since played as a batsman alongside Test gloveman Tim Paine.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the way he’s going about his cricket, Bailey said.

“If you’re looking at those numbers he’d very much have to be in the mix for a Test. He’s a good fielder, just pick your six best batters, simple. “He’s in complete control of his game.” Bailey highlighted how Wade has built impressive partnerships with the tail and successfully adjusted to a range of pitches around the country. “That’s been the most pleasing thing this year. I don’t think we’ve given him great situations on a number of occasions,” Bailey said.

“His ability to go through the gears, to start his innings, accelerate when he needs to.”

media_camera Alex Doolan of Tasmania is the leading scorer in the Sheffield Shield. Picture: AAP Image

Bailey was also full of praise for Test discard Alex Doolan, who has reinvented himself as an opener for Tasmania after playing all four of his Tests in 2014 at first drop.

Doolan is the Shield’s leading run-scorer with 444 runs at 55.5. “He’s batting better I think than when he first played for Australia,” Bailey said.

“A bit more experience, bit of age.

“He’s got a knowledge of his game and awareness of how to go about it. He’s been in great touch.”

- By Rob Forsaith

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