Former Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy has launched a stinging critique of national batting coach Michael Di Venuto, citing a decline in Test batting standards since Di Venuto took on the role in mid-2021. Healy, though acknowledging his preference to focus on player performance, stated that the performance of the team management, including his "friend" Di Venuto, could not be ignored.

Healy's criticism comes in the wake of Australia's recent struggles in the first Test against the West Indies, where the top order faltered, continuing a trend of instability. Despite Australia winning the test, Healy lamented the side's batting performance. Specifically, he pointed to the nervousness and lack of trust in their techniques displayed by the Australian batters in challenging conditions. He emphasized the need for players to develop sound techniques and maintain balance at the crease to make better decisions over extended periods.

"Australian cricket's batting head coach – and every state batting coach – should be under pressure because there's not enough runs being scored around the nation either," Healy said. He added, "Michael Di Venuto – a friend of mine who is a good coach and a good man – has held the job since mid-2021. In this time, our national team batting has regressed in performance at the Test level". For Healy, "all that's important...is the performance. I don't care how you do it or what will make it easier for you – just get it done".

Healy isn't alone in noticing the struggles of the Australian batting lineup. During the first innings against the West Indies, the top order collapsed, with Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, and Cameron Green all failing to reach 20 runs. This followed a similar pattern from the World Test Championship final against South Africa, where Australia posted scores of only 212 and 207. The pressure on the middle and lower order to compensate for these collapses has become a recurring theme, according to Healy.

The former wicketkeeper also highlighted the need for improvement at the state level, noting a lack of domestic cricketers "knocking the door down" for selection in the national team. This suggests a systemic issue in Australian cricket, with batting struggles not limited to the international stage.

Moreover, Healy observed that Australian batters seem to be struggling with nerves, which impacts their decision-making and technique. He believes that players need to develop better coping mechanisms to handle pressure situations and maintain focus for longer periods. Healy's comments serve as a "clarion call for change in Australian cricket, emphasizing the urgent need for a revival in batting standards".