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The 88 Australia scored in the first innings of the second test against Pakistan is their lowest total in 53 years and first loss to Pakistan since 1995.
This has not deterred Ponting from implying there will be no changes to the team heading to India later this year even though there are significant issues that need to be addressed before the Ashes.
The Australian bowling attack appeared well on its way to forming a new identity after a successful home summer, a tour to New Zealand and an improved Twenty20 World Cup performance.
Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris have added much impetus with the new ball in the Test and ODI arena, allowing the pressure to be eased off Mitchell Johnson and Nathan Hauritz.
This also meant that Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle weren’t missed as they recover from injury and there is no concern in the fact Brett Lee’s international career is all but over.
The reserve fast bowling stocks look strong, with Clint McKay, Peter George and Josh Hazelwood in the wings, though much can still be said of the Australian spin stocks, which have been led admirably by Nathan Hauritz.
However, the poor showing in the five match ODI series against England and now a drawn test series against Pakistan have the critics out in force again.
Baring the brunt of the attack was the bowling department followed by the reoccurring theme that batsmen Mike Hussey and Marcus North are past their used by date and that Ponting is fast approaching his.
The key for the Australian selectors over the next three months is to sort out the batting department. Michael Clarke has finally made the move from five to four (only two years too late) while Marcus North should have been played in the same vain as Martin Love and Brad Hodge.
North should have been filling number six intermittently until Phil Hughes found his feet. Hughes could have come into the middle order last summer and then moved back to the opening position for the Ashes. This can still be achieved if North is switched with Hughes for the India tour.
It would also allow Watson to fulfil his all-rounder position batting five as his golden run with the bat at the top has finished.
Mike Hussey would then slip to six for the Ashes series then move on for Callum Ferguson who would ultimately be groomed for the number three position once Ponting retires.
Andrew Hilditch and co. need to bite the bullet and tell Brad Haddin that he is only required for the Twenty20 and ODI side as Tim Paine has slipped into the keeping position seamlessly.
The selectors only then need to worry about replacing Katich and the number six position which realistically won’t require filling in the next two years (barring injury).
The bowling department should give little latitude to Johnson who can no longer be considered a bowling all-rounder and as pointed out in a recent Cricinfo article; his form has mirrored the teams.
The time and money invested in him is no longer warranted, particular when travelling to countries which don’t suit his ability. The ideal situation for him would be to miss the up coming India series, play the opening Sheffield Shield matches and be ready to go for the first c test at the Gabba.
Spinners Steve Smith and Hauritz would be of value pairing together in India, while Bollinger and Hilfenhaus will continue to spearhead the attack.
Such moves by the selectors would give the side stability, direction and a workable plan over the next year two years while also giving the side the best possible chance of returning the Ashes this summer.
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