Dec 19 2008
Australia: Then And Now
Well..South Africa have taken to their tour of Australia and the first two days of the first test at Perth test have gone well, with both the teams keeping the audience always guessing. However, it is not yet clear as to whom to cast our bet upon. Both South Africa and Australia are fighting it out there to their potential. However three days of play are yet to allow us to come to any conclusions what so ever. Exactly two years ago, South Africa had taken to their tour of South Africa, after a gap of nearly four years, when they had faced South Africa way back in 2002 before that.
However, South Africa has remained the same since then. But, it is to be noted that Australia has changed a lot since then. With a lot of players from the then the world conquering Australian side, today the present Australian team is no better than a normal team like South Africa. This is one fact that one has to agree with without any dispute. Way back in 2006, Australia had thrashed South Africa by winning 5 out of the six tests that they faced each other. Three at home and three in South Africa. The consolation draw coming in Australia itself. That was the caliber of the then Australian team.
And today, things are not the same as far as the present Australian side is considered, though it is the same two teams that are battling it out there. Nevermind that Australia might still be able to win the series against South Africa, but, not as convincing compared to that in 2006. For the players are not close to the players who played in 2006, when it comes to their talent. Only five players in the current Australian squad namely Ricky Ponting, Andrew Symonds, Simon Katich, Brett Lee and Mike Hussey are there since the series in 2006. Out of these, Matthew Hayden and Ricky ponting are found to be out of form.
The replacements in the current Australian team, compared to the then Australian team are as follows, Glenn McGrath, Nathan Bracken being replaced by Mitchell Jhonson, Shane Warne’s place not yet being replaced, Adam Gilchrist by Brad Haddin, no replaacements for Langer, Martyn yet. Nevermind that Hayden & Katich are doing well in the opening slot. The two names that can never be replaced what so ever are Shane Warne and Glenn Mc Grath, needless to say. And Haddin is no replacement for Gilchrist either. The South African team has more or less the same, with the replacements being justified. There is nothing new in saying that the Australian side has lost its balance, which is a well known fact. With this being the case, there is no team that can dominate the cricketing world, like the West Indies in the mid 70s to early 90s, or Australia from late 90s to the present era.
India and South Africa have the potential to do it, for they are found producing quality players, but, that is a very very long way to go.
