The results are breathtaking. Since surrending the Ashes, Australia’s ODI team has triumphed in 24 matches out of 29, with only three losses and two washouts.
While these figures hark back to pre-2007 greatness, it has been done by a largely spare-part outfit, making it all the more remarkable.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t take a reality check.
The strides taken in the last six months makes it easy to rest on laurels and declare Australia is in safe hands to win her fourth straight World Cup next year. Yet this is far from the truth and a few things need pondering between now and then:
1. Leader of the pack
The current success of fast bowlers such as Ryan Harris and Clint McKay is heartwarming, but does little to convince they are the ones to do the job when it matters. Beating up on mentally fragile Pakistanis and leaden-foot West Indians in succession is chalk-and-cheese compared to having to dismantle powerful batting lineups in one-off contests.
Of course, time is still there to continue to push their case for a plane ticket to the World Cup. Till then, the bowling attack looks horribly short of experience, and champion sides require this. Enter Brett Lee.
Our charmed pace leader has been horribly unlucky with injuries in the last 12 months, so much that the likelihood he will play Test cricket again is a real question mark. What isn’t is his sheer class in the one-day game, taking
324 wickets in 186 matches. His sheer pace and reverse swing was instrumental to NSW’s Champions League win, and will be so again in Australia’s World Cup defence.
The other man that deserves a look-in is Nathan Bracken. Never a Test regular, Bracken’s profile has been cemented by his ability to swing the new ball and be cheap in the later overs. 174 wickets in 116 games also speaks of valuable experience that the current cartel simply don’t possess.
At this point, the attack is performing well. Yet the impression remains that it is a rudderless ship in need of a talisman. Lee and Bracken must be given ample opportunities to prove they should lead the attack next year.
2. Opening batsman conundrum
It’s been a long time coming, but Shane Watson can consider himself a safe bet. What isn’t is the guy at the other end.
He’s had many faces, including Haddin, Paine and Marsh. While each have occasionally impressed, none have stamped their place as Watson’s partner.
While Tim Paine has been an irregular presence as backup keeper, Shaun Marsh has to make most of his current chance. He’s had plenty of starts this summer with only one half-century to show for it. For openers, that doesn’t cut it.
Haddin has spoken before of his willingness to open, but finds himself in a strange position. As a natural strokemaker, Haddin needs more time for Australia to truly benefit. If Marsh’s form doesn’t pick up fast, Haddin could be opening up on the subcontinent.
3. Second tweaker
Even now, Nathan Hauritz can consider himself one of the first names read out for next year’s World Cup. The progress is remarkable, although this is much to do with Hauritz’s own improvement as the lack of viable alternatives.
Yet one name keeps springing to mind. No less than Shane Warne has advocated for Steven Smith to progress to the Australian ranks, despite having more success with bat than ball. A List-A bowling average of 41 does little to inspire confidence.
But the story is familiar. Hauritz had figures like that, as did the master Warne himself. On dry subcontinental surfaces, Australia must give itself the option of playing two frontline spinners. For that to work, the selectors must employ Steven Smith as much as possible between now and next February. Smith must be used both as a lone spinner and in alongside Hauritz.
4. Get all spare parts working
This isn’t so much a personnel change as it is to employ all options available.
Next year’s World Cup will likely take place on flat roads at the mercy of destructive batsmen ala Sehwag, Dilshan and Pietersen. This makes it imperative that Australia utilise everything at its disposal.
You know what I mean. When the call comes, Cam White, Michael Clarke et all must be all ready to roll the arm over. The difference between a win and a loss may come down to guys like James Hopes, where one cheap over defines everything.
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