Aussie great blames WAGs for dismal performance

Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy wonders if the WAGs are to blame for Australia's woeful performance overnight. Photo / Getty Images.

The Australian batsmen might have capitulated and Stuart Broad bowled the spell of his career but former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy wonders if the WAGs are to blame for Australia's woeful performance overnight (NZT).

Michael Clarke's side were bowled out for just 60 by England in 18.3 overs. England were 274-4 in reply at the end of the first day of the fourth Ashes test.

Healy suggested the presence of the wives and girlfriends on tour might have proved a distraction.

"Are they together as a team?" Healy was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph. "All their partners are here and some of the most respected cricketers I played with hated that distraction. They weren't allowed on tour until after the series had been won.

"Your mind needs to be completely focused on it. Cricket is a sport that requires complete concentration. You need everything going for you and I'm not sure they're pushing for that hard enough."

Many of the WAGs have been in the UK from the first test in Cardiff. The final test takes place at The Oval from August 20-24.