Perspective

[Donny]

I think it's worth looking at things in perspective after reading the many varied and interesting comments about the fifth Test and yesterday's losses by the Aussies.

Imagine us, or any team, playing India, in India, with Tendulkar, Harbijhan and Kumble out injured.

South Africa without Pollock, Kallis and Boucher.

Pakistan without ... Oh yeah.. we've seen that one. Lol.

Sri Lanka ... ditto.

England ... ditto

Zimbabwe without Andy Flower and Streak.

New Zealand without Fleming, Bond and Cairns.

Take the top two or three out of any team and the second tier players DON'T suddenly become front liners. It takes time.

In Australia's case we're looking at one of the best ever opening bowlers and his very effective partner AND arguably the best ever spinner all out injured, at the same time.



Donny.

GO THE MIGHTY WOODSMEN !! ALL THE WAY IN 2003 AND BEYOND !!!!

[MrsTarrant]

Yes I do agree with you Donny having the best three bowlers out of the team has definately had a major impact! However I don't think that this was the only reason why the Aussies lost as I have already mentioned!

[JLC]

In Test Matches Australia is king of the mountain. The only weakness being quality spin bowling on the sub continent. Really they should have beaten India in that 3 match series probably 3-0 and this would have dispelled those thoughts. However they went down fighting 2-1. No disgrace in that.

However i think the one day form, of the game is much more even. I think at the moment Australia is confused as to what line up they should go with. Its like they feel obliged that they must go in with one or two all rounders ?? Ive been reading in the press and maybe they are right in that we go in with 5 specialist bowlers and 6 batsman including gilchrist. At present we pick too many players who arnt good at either.

However the most disappointing aspect i have found is the fielding. Theres one thing i will never forget and thats when Bob Simpson was coach and it went along the lines of you may not be a good batting or bowling team but their is no excuse for poor fielding. Australia were the benchmark when it came to fielding but nowadays they seem very sloppy in the field.

I agree with the fact that you cant replace champions as that in itself is why they are regarded as champions. However i do believe that there should be better alternatives available to fill the void!!!

jlc

Essendon 2000 premiers
2001 runners up
2002 fifth
2003 ????
The slide continues

[BJ]

Warney is the best spin bowler to play the game. Wisden - Pffft.
It is without a doubt that he has the ability to out think a batsman and have him second-guessing every ball when he is bowling well.
As for McGrath, there is none better than him being able to hit the same spot ball after ball, and basically force a batsman into a false stroke.

There is not many players like these two in the world - Let alone Australia. Sometimes we forget just how good these guys really are and to me, the last test and this last one-dayer has made me appreciate them all the more.

BJ

"There are two teams out there, but only one is playing cricket - The other is making no attempt to do so." W.M. Woodfull - 1932

[Donny]

Well Pigeon and Warney are almost ready to resume.

In the meantime, Williams and Bracken have racked up some valuable experience but no spinner has emerged.

MacGill was found wanting in the Tests and Hogg is just not getting games with the one day side. Who is next in line ? White ? Hauritz ? Doherty ? Casson ?

The cupboard looks a bit bare.

[commonwombat]

Cam made a short but apt post a few weeks ago where he suggested that Ponting may turn out to be Australia's version of Richie Richardson.

I tend to think that he's very close to the money.

Australia has, like the Windies, had a period of 10-14 years of being on or close to the top and effectively a generation or 2 or great key players. During this time they have been lucky to have considerable depth for many positions with replacements-fringe players of intl class.

By the early 90's the Windies greats were mostly finished or past their best. The side was still strong but the talent coming through was with a few exceptions of a lesser standard.

We can see the parallels in Australia where the greats are reaching the end of their career and the replacements are either not there or are of sufficiently advanced years as to not be long term options.

Interesting times ahead. The status as I see it is Australia and India at the top with Sth Africa close. Pakistan are always a bugger to pick. New Zealand are still a large nuisance factor and can trouble the big boys and Sri Lanka are erratic but dangerous at home.

England are the sick man of intl cricket along with the West Indies. Zimbabwe lack the depth to trouble the big boys but can still be a potential handful for the second tier nations. Bangladesh simply should not be there and by rights Kenya deserve consideration to take their place.