Australia

The Chappell Hadlee Trophy played in New Zealand between the hosts and Australia proved that Australia was unbeatable and proved that the top spot was not exclusive. Unfortunately for the Kiwis and other cricketing nations, later results also proved that series losses do not indicate a long term slump for the kangaroos.

It is also important to note here Australia did not play bad cricket but that the Kiwis played better cricket. Michael Hussey’s disappointing captaincy and Ricky Ponting’s absence are reasons for the Aussie defeat. Although the Kiwis beat the Australians, it was partly because of their good fortune. Craig McMillan came back into the side and batted extremely well for the Kiwis; unfortunately, that was just a short run of great form. Also, they did not have Ricky Ponting to contend with in the opposition; Gilchrist was also not in good form. But the Aussies are back to their consistent, winning ways in the world cup as seen thus far. What is it that gives them this knack for winning?

It is important to note at this juncture that not all of the other teams are as competent as they can be. India, England, The West Indies, etc are some examples of out of form, not-performing-to-potential kind of teams. This accounts for only a minor portion of the reason why the Australians emerge triumphant so often. Reminds me of Roger Federrer in tennis.

There are so many reasons for their stupendous performance in the recent past; they are professional to a great extent, dedicated, hard working, disciplined (in most areas) and of course talented. Australians get on the field to win, practice in the nets to win and go through the physical training to win. This accounts for their rarely blemishing performance.

There is also one negative aspect to this kind of robotic precision, repetition and hard work. The enjoyment in the game is reduced to a certain extent. The satisfaction that a bowler gets from beating the bat and the batsmen and increasingly prominent batswomen get from feeling the impact of the ball right at the middle of the bat when timed to perfection is lost in Australian cricket. When an Australian bowler celebrates after a wicket, it is for the material success and not for the sheer satisfaction that sports were initially created to produce. This negative factor results unfortunately in so many positive factors; grit, determination, the will to run back in pumped up after being hit for a six, etc. This also results in all the players of the team working towards only one thing – success rather than the more important satisfactions.

In no way is the approach of other international cricket teams brought into consideration. This approach is probably the indication of the evolution of man into the stage where material gains have gained priority. But this is why you can always rely on the Australian middle order to perform after a very early top order collapse. That’s dedication.-BS