Bit of a doubt about that

Ashes 2009

Here is an article, the kind of which people like me write in their blogs...hobbyists...not pro cricket portal oracles who rake in the moolah with their typing fingers. Ineffectual punches at meaningless targets is layman writing (re: kicking the West Indians in their face for good measure when they are down, that too in an Ashes article).

One agrees with some aspects of it - such as the level of competition West Indies has provided in comparison to the anticipated one Australia will provide with reference to Boapara, and also that Onions makes the attack look better than Harmison.

However, one disagrees with the basic premise of the article that Australia are ready to be skinned and roasted with a dash of Onions, Broad and Anderson.

Australia have pulled a few miles back since South Africa thrashed them at home and they were beaten by everyone before that...some of the components in the Australian team are coming good. I am particularly impressed by Peter Siddle. Now, the people the article talks about have looked good against a listless West Indies - motivated Kangaroos with plenty to prove (the newbies would want to start of their Ashes record on the right note) will be an entirely different proposition and probably jump all over the English layout, quashing them and making them all looking pretty silly.

That said, Australia are more vulnerable than ever before in all aspects, they are a team of enough Ashes first-timers to beconsidered a newish team - if England want to sneak off with the Urn once again, this is a good time to pull of a heist. And if they do do so, Graham Swann is the man who will probably have a significant hand in it along with Strauss, Bopara and KP. Ambush first up would be a good idea.

In balance, I'd back Australia to get well ahead of England eventually in the series. England tapers off in the face of a good fight and Australia perhaps knows this better than most teams. They'll look to begin with a high head of pressure to tamp down the Englishmen by the second test itself...weather permitting. Take a look at this Australian squad - forget those who have been there before...players like Hughes, Haddin, Hilfenhaus, Hauritz, Marcus North, Johnson, Siddle, McDonald and even Watson...these guys are hungry and capable of fighting for their hunger. They'll take a few punches but will hit back hard. There's a bit of a doubt about grilled roosmeat with onions just yet..

I'll say, watch out Broad, Onions and the rest of the hopeful Englishmen.