In the middle of its rebuilding phase, Australia continues to play some defensive Cricket, and yet many positives are still peaking through the team. Katich is playing the Cricket of his life time, a very elegant and stubborn opener, Katich will continue to build his dominance in top order. Haddin is now clearly poised to become the most menacing keeper-batsman combo of this generation. And, while Mitchell Johnson is accelerating to go to the top of the bowling ranks, provided Doug Bollinger and Peter Siddle give him solid grounds as supporting bowlers, I see Mitchell stepping to become a new menace. Face-to-face with Dale Steyn for the top spot, I am also convinced that the 2009 year will be Mitchell's year. If Hussey regains his batting form and Clarke can stand out a few more overs in the mid-order, Ponting can bring the Australian batting mid-order back to its dominating forms. India is not really the challenge, South Africans will continue to chase Australia for the 1/2 spot, and SriLanka and England will follow that threat.
The responsibility of sharing the new ball now lies with Siddle and Bollinger, if they are able to swing the ball well early on, then Saffas batting will not last the Australian onslaught, given that the Saffas batting line-up stops at #5 with Dumminy. G. Smith might be playing the "cool customer" for now, as he has managed to struck Australia with a blow while Australia is at its weakest rebuilding phase, but the Saffas history will not allow them to take over the mantle for too long.
This year, Australia will have to continue its battle with South Africa as the two greatest teams of 2009 will once again lock horns in the next series. I reckon, by February-March, Australia would have overcome injuries and will have much settled roster.
You are welcome to share your opinion.
The responsibility of sharing the new ball now lies with Siddle and Bollinger, if they are able to swing the ball well early on, then Saffas batting will not last the Australian onslaught, given that the Saffas batting line-up stops at #5 with Dumminy. G. Smith might be playing the "cool customer" for now, as he has managed to struck Australia with a blow while Australia is at its weakest rebuilding phase, but the Saffas history will not allow them to take over the mantle for too long.
This year, Australia will have to continue its battle with South Africa as the two greatest teams of 2009 will once again lock horns in the next series. I reckon, by February-March, Australia would have overcome injuries and will have much settled roster.
You are welcome to share your opinion.