Well Well Well... Is this the end of Australia being a dominent force in cricket!

[Notts Exile]

Originally Posted by Leafy Seadragon

I'm not sure how two ODIs signal that the Aussies are coming back to the pack. In 2001/2 we didn't even qualify for the final of our own tri-nations series. This was a far lower moment than anything happening at the moment

You've just lost to Bangladesh! And England are ranked not far above them as well. It's hardly a good start, especially when your batsmen are getting out to "net bowlers".

LS, some are going over the top about the start to the tour. Others are trying to keep their feet on the ground. You have to remember that before the ICCC ..... CCCCC Trophy victory last September England had lost something like sixteen or seventeen successive ODIs against you lot. To win two in a row is a big thing.

As I walked from the bus to the ground on Sunday morning I was convinced I would see a Gilchrist ton and a comprehensive Australian victory. This Aussie team hasn't been the best in the world by letting little slip-ups bother them. I'm sure that Ponting and Martyn will be back in the runs soon. Once they've really got aclimatised I'mn sure the fielding will pick up too. The worrying thing for me is that McGrath looks to be bowling well already. If Lee can get a place in the team he will provide good back up for Pidgeon.

This England team is certainly better than the last few to have taken on the Baggy Greens. They have confidence and real self belief. Very importantly they also have ability. The summer's started well, an England victory or two was much needed. Hopefully we will see a battle worthy of the Ashes at last!

[Hondo]

Originally Posted by Paoli69

Well, if you ask me the Australian future is brighter than most countries.

Sure, Australia's future is bright. I'm not questioning that at all. Just saying that might not hanging on to the top ranking for far too long. If Bangaladesh can pull of another win, thjeir future looks bright as well!

[Leafy Seadragon]

NE, couldn't agree more with comments regarding the Ashes, though I do stand by the statement that the Aussies not qualifying for their own final was a far lower moment and far more embarrassing than losing a match to Bangladesh. Nor am I reading too much into the first few results. England look impressive. Australia poor. So far England have been the (much) better team. If it remains that way through the ODIs, then they will probably win them and take a little bonus in confidence through to the tests. It will be interesting to see how the English react if the Aussies respond with a thumping (admittedly no more likely at the moment than a crushing English victory), but it may help pose and answer a few interesting questions. Similarly, it will be interesting to see the Aussie reaction if this doesn't come to pass and Bangladesh win the next match against the Aussies. Ah, aint tests of character wonderful?

[Beny]

http://content.cricinfo.com/australi...ry/211540.html

Originally Posted by Buchanan

"The skill of the players is unquestionable, and they have not lost that in the last couple of months."

[Mike]

Originally Posted by Hondo

Well, after loosing the match to lthe owest ranked team in the world, could this be the end of Australia being a dominenet force in one day international cricket.

The BBC board is noted for its many members who chop and change their views with every win or loss (aka "blow with the wind"). I hope our members are a little more sensible. Today, Australia has trounced England at Chester-le-Street. I think Australia showed what they are capable of when on their game. Perhaps England was not on their game today. I think the two sides are closer than today's result showed but Australia should never be underestimated.

Australia started slowly in the series due to a 7 week break but they will improve as the summer wears on and will be well played in come the Ashes. If England win the Ashes they will have done it against tough opposition.

[Mongoose]

I've maintained throughout Australia's dodgy start that they should not be written off. Too many class players, too much experience of winning to do that. And I think many people, in fact most people, have either dismissed the recent results as a temporary aberration or said that Australia may have declined slightly, but not to the extent that they are just another team now. I think this measureed response to Australia's recent form will prove to be fully justified. Similarly, today's game doesn't mean that all their problems are gone. Ponting still needs to find form, and Gillespie needs to show that he's truly back on song rather than just turning in one decent show. However, today's result should show that Aus are always dangerous, and Warne and Langer are still to come back for the Ashes.

[Mike]

I agree Mongoose. Yours is the kind of sensible analysis I hope we see more of on our board as the English summer of cricket unfolds.