Ian Healy says the Australian cricket team's dire plight reminds him of the dark days of the 1980s.
But the ex-Test wicketkeeper believes Justin Langer can inspire a return to greatness for the maligned national team, just like Bob Simpson did almost 30 years ago.
Still reeling from the aftermath of a scathing review, Australia will limp into Saturday's one-off Twenty20 international against South Africa on the Gold Coast after a one-day series loss to the Proteas.
Healy admits they are tough times for Australia but reckoned their outlook was much brighter than the team he stepped into in the 1980s.
Battling to fill the void left by key retirements, Australia were struggling when Simpson took over the reins in 1986.
But under the ex-Test skipper's remarkable 10 year reign, Australia scaled cricket's summit again starting with an unlikely 1987 World Cup win and a stunning 1989 Ashes series triumph.
"I think this team is better than the team I started in in 1988," Healy said.
"And I liken these two eras. That is where we are.
"We won the Ashes in 1989 and no one would talk to us. We would go into restaurants and bars and no one would say 'well done boys'.
"(But) the hard yards this team are putting in will reap great rewards."
Healy said Australian coach Langer had the Simpson-esque traits to reverse the national team's fortunes.
"We have the right man in Justin Langer to really punch that hard work and skill repetition into the team in the way they can get confidence, exactly like Bob Simpson did to us," he said.
"That is why I am likening this to the mid-to-late 80s.
"The key is hard work. Becoming a better fielder, better fitness and technique and be patient when you need to.
"That will make you a more confident person and player. Then your talent comes out."
Australian Associated Press
