Nevertheless, a player of Ricky Ponting’s stature cannot blame luck for the lack of runs. So far, so good for Australia with both Hussey and Haddin providing consistent performances in the middle order. Perhaps, the pressure of captaining an inexperienced side facing losses, something that Ricky himself never saw before is having its toll on the great man. A loss in the Ashes could mean Ponting could be the first Australian captain to lose the Ashes thrice.

But obviously, having said this, Australia seem to have got out of jail, as Mitchell Johnson, another of Australia’s struggling bowlers getting into the perth test ripped through the heart of the English batting order. Johnson got the in swinger going, reminiscent of perth 2008 where he got 8 for 61 including a spell of 5 for 2.

Either way Johnson’s performance has given Ponting another lease of life. Australia played the cricket we come to expect of them in the back end of the test. Fortunately, for them, they have got the momentum going for them.

If Ricky Ponting has to be replaced as captain the Australians must reconsider long standing vice captain Michael Clarke. The English have managed to get the better of him thus far. Shane Watson might be an option but the hard hitting all rounder may lack the temperament for captaincy. Watson has come a long way as player ever since he took over as opener in the 2009 version of the Ashes. Having said this, Australian board would not want to pressurize the Watto who already has his all round duties and more importantly fitness to worry about.

The only option remaining would be a stop gap captain in Bradley Haddin. Not only is Haddin playing his best cricket but also he has had the experience of captaining his state side, something which Watson lacks. Haddin also has the respect of his players and opponents. Looking at it, a stop gap captain would be better for Australia rather than taking a chance with an inexperienced skipper.

However, all this only comes into the fray if Australia lose the Ashes. The Australian cricket team still need Ricky Ponting the batsman. The last thing they could ill afford is to lose Ponting the player, they still need him for another couple of years to guide the younger players before he decides to call it a day. Nevertheless, 2 crucial tests still remain before this is decided and every Australian member would have nothing on their mind but the tests to come.

It’s clearly seen that Australia are found wanting in India (test matches). With Andrew Symonds too out due to controversy Australia find themselves in a hole with large shoes to fill in.

Many Australian news papers asked for the recall of Andrew Symonds but Australia have always had strong disciplinary rules and do not mind sacrificing on a couple of series so as to dominate 10 years. It could be debated out that India too will have to face a similar situation in the near future with respect to test match cricket as India will be playing without the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble also known as the “Fab Five”.

Australia are missing their bowling attack more than ever. Australia virtually do not have anyone on the spin bowling front. The batting department still has most of their key players but the retirement of so many greats (Justin Langer, Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Glen McGrath, and Shane Warne) has hurt Australia psychologically more than anything. Also, called the bad boys of cricket build up the name for themselves by taking a dig at their opponents before every key game.

On a balance Australia known to be having one of the best cricket training systems should be able to make up as the Australian bench strength can never be questioned!!

This is was a piece I wrote a year and a half back. Looking at it now, Australia indeed do have the best cricket systems across the world. After the disappointing ashes loss in 2009 Australia seem to have finally got their players to gel along in both the ODI as well as the Test format.

Australia’s record after the ashes speaks for itself:

• Australia VS England –NatWest series.

Result: 6-1 to Australia
• Champions trophy
Result: 4-0 to Australia
Champions
• Australia VS India in India
Result: 4-2 to Australia

Season at home

• Australia VS West Indies (Tests)
Result: 2-0 to Australia
• Australia VS Pakistan (Tests)
Result: 3-0 to Australia
• Australia VS Pakistan
Result: Unassailable lead of 3-0 (2 to go)

Australia have proved their credentials in all facets of the game. They now have a very good spinner in Nathan Hauritz. A young and consistent pace attack in Bollinger, Siddle, Hilfenhaus with Mitchell Johnson the potential attack leader. Australia have found a replacement to controversial all rounder Andrew Symonds. Cameron white stamped his authority on international cricket when he took that no.3 position in England in place of Ponting.

India have lost out on two of their 5 champions in Ganguly and Kumble. The batting line up still looks a solid one but, the question arises whether India will be able to cope with the loss of the Fab 5 like how Australia did?