Are Australia, Australia?

What do we know about Australia for the last ten years?

Arrogant.

Organised.

Clever.

Brutal.

Hungry.

Champions.

What do we know about the new Australia?

Careful.

Professional.

Fragile.

Nervous.

Defensive.

Talented.

Australia had a run rate of 1.7 when they lost 4 wickets to the Windies.

Think about how many times you’ve seen Australia bat that slow.

Australia has used a night watch man twice in this game.

How many times did Australia use a nightwatchman under Steve Waugh?

Australia has one champion batsman in their team.

The 80’s were the last time that happened.

Australia has a make shift opener.

Justin Langer was a make shift opener, that worked out ok, but Katich doesn’t look like doing the same.

Australia have no champion bowlers.

Wait let me check.

No, none.

Brett Lee’s average is 29, no ten wicket hauls (yet).

Clark has come into a good team and performed well, no ten wicket hauls.

MacGill is better than average, and a great wicket taker, but lets the pressure off too easily, 2 ten wicket hauls.

Johnson is still not good with a red ball, never taken more than 6 wickets in a match.

They are still the best side in the world.

But, only because no one else is good enough.

India, Sri Lanka and South Africa, all have glaring holes in their line ups, which at this stage is all that is keeping Australia on top.

Australia smashed Sri Lanka.

Australia were 2 nil up against India.

And South Africa has their chance after Australia visit India.

This current line up is probably not the worst side they have had in the last 10 years, but it's close, and it has less match winners than any side since '92.

Ponting wanted to stamp his mark on this side, finally he is, because he has a whole new side.

They are cautious, professional, well researched, fiery, but they are not as good as they were.

The list of players they are missing from 3 years ago is huge.

G McGrath, statistically the best fast bowler in Australian history.

S Warne, arguably the best spinner ever.

A Gilchrist, best batting keeper ever.

J Gillespie, steady as a train fast bowling bagman.

D Martyn, one time unbeatable number 4.

J Langer, the punchy opening batsman.

And M Hayden, the bullying Christian warrior, who is temporarily out of action.

Ponting is going to be tested this series.

Australia might still win 3 zip, but he will have to keep improving as a captain.

Questions continue to be asked, and Australia keeps passing, but the marks are getting lower and lower.www.cricketwithballs.com

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