Last year Australian cricket was in turmoil, the Ashes were lost, players were banned for not doing their ‘homework’ and coach Mickey Arthur was sacked. Hope was lost in the Australian camp and the public was the most pessimistic I can remember.
On the other hand, there was India. Their form was so-so at best, they had beaten the teams they were expected to beat, apart from the horrible loss to New Zealand.
If you had asked people ‘do you think it will be a good series when India versus Australia in Australia?’ Most would say no, they’re two teams in free fall.
Last summer it all changed for Australia, playing England in what will be remembered as one of the most historic Ashes series, winning 5-0.
There was the resurrection of Mitchell Johnson, who played one of the best series ever seen, while Brad Haddin, who most had as a washed-up Test cricketer, saved Australia in nearly every game. David Warner rose as one of the best.
Led by Darren Lehman, all their worries were forgotten.
The Indians look to have played themselves into form against the English. Their first game was a draw, the second a 95-run win which saw Bhuvneshwar Kumar take six wickets and Ishant Sharma cleaning up.
So are Australia and India back in form, or are England just that bad?
Australia’s series win over the South Africans will have many leaning towards them to win over India this summer. Whatever the outcome, it will shape world cricket for a long time.
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