What do we know about Australia from the last 10 years?

Arrogant. Organised. Clever. Brutal. Hungry. Champions.

What do we know about the new Australia?

‘Australia have used a night watchman twice in this game. How many times did Australia use a night watchman under Steve Waugh?’


Careful. Professional. Fragile. Nervous. Defensive. Talented.

Australia had a run rate of 1.7 when they lost four wickets to the Windies.

Think about how many times you’ve seen Australia bat that slow.

Australia have used a night watchman twice in this game.

How many times did Australia use a night watchman under Steve Waugh?

Australia have one champion batsman in their team.

The ’80s were the last time that happened.

Australia have a makeshift opener.

Justin Langer was a makeshift opener who worked out OK, but Simon Katich doesn’t look like doing the same.

Australia have no champion bowlers.

Wait, let me check.

No, none.

Brett Lee’s average is 29, with no 10-wicket hauls (yet).

Stuart Clark has come into a good team and performed well, no 10-wicket hauls.

Stuart MacGill is better than average, and a great wicket taker, but lets the pressure off too easily – two 10-wicket hauls.

Mitchell Johnson is still not good with a red ball – he's never taken more than six wickets in a match.

They are still the best side in the world.

But only because no one else is good enough.

India, Sri Lanka and South Africa all have glaring holes in their line-ups, which at this stage is all that is keeping Australia on top.

Australia smashed Sri Lanka.

Australia were two-nil up against India.

And South Africa get their chance after Australia visit India.

This current line-up is probably not the worst Australia side in the last 10 years, but it's close, and it has fewer match-winners than any side since '92.

Ponting wanted to stamp his mark on this side – finally he can, because he has a whole new side.

They are cautious, professional, well researched, fiery, but they are not as good as they were.

The list of players they are missing from three years ago is huge.

G McGrath, statistically the best fast bowler in Australian history.

S Warne, arguably the best spinner ever.

A Gilchrist, best batting keeper ever.

J Gillespie, steady as a train fast bowling bagman.

D Martyn, one time unbeatable number four.

J Langer, the punchy opening batsman.

And M Hayden, the bullying Christian warrior, who is temporarily out of action.

Ponting is going to be tested this series against the West Indies.

Australia might still win three-zip, but he will have to keep improving as a captain.

Questions continue to be asked, and Australia keep passing, but the marks are getting lower and lower.