The Hindu : Sport : Aussies too good

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005

Sport

Sport

Aussies too good

A longer preparation was needed, and one group of players with one captain and fewer charlatans

PETER ROEBUCK

Australia's bowlers stole the show as a battered visiting team displayed brief signs of life before lamely succumbing on a deteriorating fourth day pitch. Between them, Brett Lee, Shane Warne and Stuart Macgill caused the World more problems than global warming. Although several flickered, none of the visiting batsmen endured and long before the lamingtons were served the ceremonials were underway.

Manifestly Australia has made a full recovery from its defeat in England. Ponting led the side with renewed purpose, Gilchrist was full of beans, Hayden has recreated himself, whilst McGrath and Warne remain near their peaks. Most of all, the support bowling was effective. It was an impressive performance.

Ponting must have been encouraged by the efforts of his back-up bowlers on the fourth day. Previously a weaklink, Brett Lee produced a sturdy effort indicating a recognition that profligacy is better left to dictators' wives and governments seeking re-election. Taking a leaf from Matthew Hayden's book, the flyer has tightened his game. He deserved his single, fortuitous, scalp. Inzamam-ul-Haq fell to a delivery that snaked back into his pads. Had Rudi Koertzen referred the appeal to his comrade in the pavilion, the mistake would have been avoided. Instead, the lugubrious Pakistani had reason to rue his luck. Otherwise right was served in this match. If the system of referrals is to be rejected it cannot be on the grounds of injustice.

MacGill also bowled admirably. Pitching his leg-break precisely, he bowled accurately enough to allow his captain to crowd forthright opponents. Moreover his googly remains as hard to read as James Joyce. Since he took wickets as doomed tailenders laid about themselves like drunken reapers, his figures (9/82) were flattering. Nevertheless he appeared settled, confident and dangerous. If he maintains form he will play a lot of Test cricket hereafter.

Even so, Warne was the best of the bowlers. Summoning another great performance, he prized out skilful batsmen on a dusty pitch. After an hour of stern resistance, Rahul Dravid was beaten by a delivery that faded and turned. Lara played some sumptuous strokes until he was confounded by a leg-break hidden amongst numerous sliders. Later Mark Boucher was dismissed by a ripper that turned and bounced and might as well have performed somersaults.

Finishing touches

MacGill did the rest. Andrew Flintoff's bold innings ended as a sweep was held on the boundary, Daniel Vettori prodded to silly point, Steve Harmison did not detect the wrong'un and Murali charged in a manner calculated to please Lord Cardigan.

Aussies delighted

Naturally the Australians were delighted. Doubtless the size of their cheques helped. Still, they are paid a pittance besides the fees dished out to American sports and chief executives. Amongst the host, only Simon Katich has any cause for concern. Struck in the field, he incurred a slight fracture of a little finger. Despite his poor returns, Shane Watson will hold his place. Provided he can slightly improve his work with the ball, he brings balance and energy to the side. Playing five bowlers is much easier when one of them can bat.

Contrastingly everything went wrong for the visitor. Possibly the concept was doomed anyhow but bad luck did not help. Poor selection, lost tosses, injuries, timing, bad weather, England's Ashes victory and artificial venues counted against the project. In hindsight a longer preparation was needed, and one group of players with one captain and fewer charlatans. No harm has been done, though. No one can be blamed for trying something. Much the same applies to the referring of appeals. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

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