From Dominance to Downslide

Australia has lost four matches in this week.. Surely a week none of them would ever like to remember.. Most shocking were their one-day defeats to Somerset and then Bangladesh. Today, England too defeated them and Aus has some real soul-searching to do.

The common factor in all the four defeats have been their pedestrial bowling and fielding. Previously, Australian defeats have been brought about by their sudden batting collapses but now, their strong weapon in the armoury-bowling has failed under pressure. Could this be due to ageing? Is the tide reversing? Is it the law of averages? Whatever it be, this Australian team is no longer invicible as it was projected.

I think the most important factor is ageing.. especilly of the bowlers.. If McGrath, Gillespie, Kasprowicz and Warne form the bowling attack for the tests, that would mean the same bowling lineup as 1997 Ashes.. Three of these guys are mid-30's.. loads of experience but is their body supporting their will?