Feb 02 2009
The Last The Aussies Wanted
Two days after the Aussies lost their first place in one day international rankings, the Aussies’ misery never seemed to end. And how can this happen? Their days of misery has just now started. But, none of us, I bet would have thought it to be so bad. That one ball which was the last one of the match not only decided the fate of that particular match but also the fate of the Australian team that had a little chance of getting back to the top one position. In case the Australians had won the series against New Zealand 5-0, they could have found themselves temporarily at the number position atleast until they tour South Africa later.
But, not the New Zealand, but destiny had different plans. A hint was somewhat available when the Australian team was bundled out for a mere total of just 181. 181 was the highest individual score by any Australia, which was achieved by Mathew Hayden a couple of years ago against the same kiwis. But, this time, 181 was all that the Aussie batsmen put together could manage . A late batting by Mitchell Johnson was the only batsmen who could put up a strike rate in excess of 100. And Mike Hussey top scored with 49. Wickets kept on falling at regular intervals.
But, despite such dismal batting, the Aussies bowlers could have had something with the ball, for the pitch at Perth was a nightmare for the batsmen. And though Australian bowlers did find some initial as well as periodic breakthroughs, they lacked the sense to bowl the New Zealand batsmen out. New Zealand bowlers gave away just two runs from extras as compared to the 23 by the Aussies. A team that is now found to rejuvenate by having young-inexperienced legs in the side has got their initial taste of victory against a deserving opposition. Losing to better teams like India and South Africa could be forgiven. But not against a under par New Zealand who are matched with the West Indies and Bangladesh.
By looking at the way they fared against New Zealand, it just would not be fair for the South Africans to rejoice their recent victory against Australians. Winning against Australia is no more a thing of rarity but something that can be expected before hand. Rather, it would be a surprise if Australia beat any decent opposition in future. It is still not clear as to how come the Australians equipped with players like Ponting, Clarke, Hussey, Haddin and the Hussey brothers along with their new sensation David Warner could afford to lose to a team having 5 new comers. After the cueernt tour of New Zealand, I lookslike the Aussies are best suited for teams who are yet to play test cricket, for even Bangladesh have been putting a better show than the Aussies off late.
