Australia goes into the final match of a three Test series with the Frank Worrell Trophy safely retained.
Nevertheless, the series has been much closer than anticipated, with a narrow three wicket win preceeding a drawn match, which was in the balance when rain stopped play.
Australia are clearly an improving team. From the humiliation of the 2010/11 Ashes series in Australia, the team has started to develop a capacity to win under Michael Clarke.
Clarke, who was criticised very strongly in some quarters when he was initially appointed, has grown in stature as a leader.
Unlike Ponting, Clarke has shown a great inclination for risk taking and boldness, which has undoubtedly assisted in the development of an attacking mentality among his young players. In both the recent Carribean Tests, Clarke has made bold declarations which have signalled his intentions to attack matches.
Team mates have spoken of his persistent focus on winning games of cricket, as opposed to eking out draws. At the time of Clarke’s appointment, few could have predicted the early success of his reign as Australian captain.
The fast bowling unit were dominant in Australia, with Pattinson, Hilfenhaus and Siddle appearing unstoppable. However, cracks are starting to emerge. The health of Australia’s quicks is a major concern.
Pattinson is set to miss more cricket with a back injury, while the apparently indestructible Peter Siddle is also heading back to Australia after a hot spot was found in his back.
The return of Patrick Cummins to the intentional arena appears destined to take longer than twelve months, while Ryan Harris is no stranger to injury concerns either.
There is a good deal of depth in Australian bowling talent at the moment, however keeping everyone on the park is proving to be a critical problem that Craig McDermott, the fitness and conditioning staff and team doctors will have to resolve prior to the Ashes in 2013.
Reasons for this spate of injuries have been listed as everything from too much cricket, to not enough bowling in the nets, to incorrect footwear.
Pattinson and Cummins, and Hazelwood for that matter, are very young in fast bowling terms, and injuries tend to follow young quicks, however it is hard to recall a time when three of the top four bowlers were all unavailable due to injury.
Nathan Lyon has rediscovered his wicket taking form just before the press started to circle, while Michael Beer has followed up an excellent domestic summer with some good bowling in the second Test.
Australia must persist with these two, who appear capable of providing good spin options for some time.
Perhaps the greatest issue is finding a batting line-up that will consistently score runs for Australia. Clarke is all class at number five.
Looking into the future, it is not entirely clear who will make up the remainder of the top six. Hussey and Ponting are still playing well, though for all their tenacity, they will not be around for much longer.
Watson’s place in the team appears to be assured for some time yet, though he really does need to start scoring some runs, while both openers are yet to really make the spot their own.
Granted, Warner has played some exceptional innings and Cowan is probably the most likely to succeed out of all those plying their trade in domestic cricket in recent seasons.
However, the instances in which Australia have found themselves three down for not much are far too frequent. Cowan rarely goes for not many; the problem is that he is not capitalising on his starts. Watch out for a big innings in the third Test. He certainly needs a big hundred.
As far as the third Test is concerned, Australia will start warm favourites. Mitchell Starc is back into the team, which allows him to follow up on some good performances over the Australian summer.
The West Indies would love a victory, after recent performances which show promise, though have not reaped rewards. Roach, Chanderpaul and Bravo must all fire at the same time for this to happen.
Shiv is a warrior who is on the verge of 10,000 Test runs. It would be fitting to see him raise this milestone against his old foe.
As interesting as watching the conclusion of the match, will be watching the performance of Australia’s top order. Should they fail, questions will be raised as to just who will be at the top of the line-up when Australia next puts on the whites in six months’ time.
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