Australia has forced themselves towards the top of the Test rankings and they possess some attributes that will make it difficult for opponents to stop that momentum.
Michael Clarke who said before the series that his attack was stronger than South African line-up, and in the end he was proved right.
The captain himself is plus point. Clarke has been far ahead of his opposition this summer, Alastair Cook and Graeme Smith, but he’s also a superior Test skipper to all the others, with his only challenger being the aggressively like-minded Brendon McCullum. Unfortunately for McCullum, New Zealand aren’t blessed with the similar talent of Australia.
The other advantage Australia has a key player David Warner as opener. An explosively aggressive batsman provides a powerful start for his team, with the main prize being that the opposition are worrying before he has even faced a ball. Warner is now more consistent; who is thirst for centuries, and has cleared that he can grow as an aggressive batsman. As long as Warner is performing, the problems in Australia’s batting order are less likely to be exposed. Steven Smith has also got matured as a consistent performer for Australia’s batting as of a sudden it has fewer weaknesses compared to the beginning if Ashes series.
However, the No. 3 is still a problem. Australia won’t become a real powerhouse until they can find a dominant No. 3.
As the summer progressed, it became patently clear that conservative captaincy wouldn’t halt the runaway train that is Australia, with Johnson as spearhead of a dangerous attack, complemented by Clarke’s captaincy. It’s a tough combination to beat; an aggressive captain with the implemention of an attacking strategy from the 1st ball of every Test. The other major Test nations must be concerned, because Australia’s style of play is suited not just to home conditions but also ideal to be played in other countries too.
Having confirmed their domination by defeating South Africa in their own conditions, Australia has completed a rare recent feat among Test nations – they have won away from home. Their confidence will be boosted by the inclusion of young fast bowlers like James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
The team with the best chance of defeating Australia are India, at their home, where the conditions suit spinners and also help slow bowlers. Not only is Australia’s pace-bowling advantage but their batting is also most doubtful when the ball is turning consistently.
As Australia look to build on the momentum gained during the summer, it will be interesting to see how Shane Watson adjusts to being an all-rounder, batting in the No. 6 slot. If it works well he’ll bring out many advantages. Watson gives the frontline quicks a breather by delivering a few overs of tidy medium pace, and if Australia gets into a strong position he can batter the opposition into submission with his hard-hitting.
However, if the No. 3 can’t be satisfactorily filled he may be promoted. I doubt does Clarke resist this move as long as possible, as he prefers Watson to fulfil the role of the all-rounder. Compared to the major headaches Australia had just a few months ago, these are just minor.
Once again Australian cricket has displayed tremendous responsibilities. It’s a strength based on aggressive play, good fast bowling and good captaincy. It has been a productive formula over time, and fortunately for Australia the other major Test nations not only find it difficult to counter but also to surpass.
