Mitchell Johnson: Australian cricket’s next generation don’t need fans to play the blame game

It’s interesting how much attention Cooper Connolly has been getting lately, especially after opening the batting for Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal loss to India this week.

It’s crucial to remember that players such as Connolly don’t control their selection, their role or their place in the batting order; they’re just doing their best when given the opportunity to play for their country.

So it’s been tough to see the criticism directed at him. Cooper is a young kid with not a lot of experience learning on the spot in front of us all.

With Australian cricket at the beginning of a significant changing of the guard, we need to give a little consideration to our youth coming through. They are making mistakes in front of big audiences, while most fans who give them a hard time would probably feel nervous about making a mistake in front of just one person.

Comments questioning Connolly’s qualifications for national selection seem a bit unfair. Everyone has opinions, but it’s important to recognise that not all of them carry weight.

At the end of the day, Connolly is working hard to prove himself, and it is the selectors who make the final call. Instead of focusing on the negativity, it would be great to see more support for up-and-coming players like him.

There seemed to be plenty of support for Sam Konstas in his first Test match and the same for Jake Fraser-McGurk when he burst onto the white-ball scene.

It’s true that when new players step into a team, questions often arise about their selection, especially regarding their stats compared to others who may have stronger records. Every athlete has their own journey and circumstances that lead to their selection, and sometimes it’s about potential and what they can bring to the team rather than just numbers.

Ultimately, the selectors have a vision for the squad, and they believe in the capabilities of the players they choose. The scrutiny players face from the media and public can often seem uneven, and there are several reasons why some players are targeted more than others:

1. STATE OR REGIONAL BIAS: Sometimes, media coverage may reflect local or regional biases. Players from certain States might receive more attention — both positive and negative — simply due to where they come from.

2. EXPECTATIONS AND PERFORMANCE: Players who are perceived as having higher potential or who come with a lot of hype or were successful as juniors often face more scrutiny. If they underperform, the backlash can be intense. In contrast, players who are seen as underdogs might garner more sympathy if they struggle.

3. PERSONALITY AND PUBLIC PERSONA: A player’s demeanour and how they present themselves in interviews or on social media can also influence public perception. Those who are more reserved or don’t engage with fans may not have as much leeway compared to those who are more outspoken or charismatic.

4. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITY: Certain positions, such as opening the batting, are often under a brighter spotlight, especially when the team is in a tough situation. Players in these roles may face more criticism than those in less prominent positions.

5. MEDIA NARRATIVES: Media outlets sometimes create narratives around certain players, which can lead to a cycle of criticism. If a player becomes the ‘story’ in a negative light, it can snowball, leading to heightened scrutiny. This can be the other way around also. If a player is well-liked by the media they may get more leniency.

6. SOCIAL MEDIA AMPLIFICATION: With the rise of social media, negative opinions can spread more quickly and widely. Players may find themselves at the receiving end of harsher criticism due to viral posts or trends.

Ultimately, the attention a player receives is often a mix of their performance, public perception, media narratives and various external factors. It’s crucial to recognise that behind the statistics and headlines, there are human beings doing their best in challenging environments.

There have certainly been numerous players who were picked based on their talent and potential rather than just their stats, and vice versa. Some players may have outstanding first-class records but struggle under pressure when they reach the international level. It’s all about adapting to the demands of the game and finding a way to translate skills into performance.

I really hope Cooper can take the negative comments in his stride and learn from them. Dealing with criticism is part of being a professional athlete, but that doesn’t mean it’s fair or easy.

If he can harness that experience and turn it into motivation, it could really benefit his growth on the field. I genuinely believe he has the potential to become a future star for Australia at all levels and I can’t wait to see how his journey unfolds.