Changing of the Guard

As the England openers walked off together at the end of the day, surely no-one was very surprised at the dominant performance that Australia has been on the receiving end of during the course of the first day (Cook and Strauss had not batted all day undefeated but England's bowlers had bowled out Australia for 268). If there have ever been 9 days of consecutive Test Match cricket where England have dominated an opponent to such an extent (barring the annihilation of Bangladesh in 2005) I would love to know about it. In reality, what we could be seeing in this series is the biggest thrashing England have ever meted out to Australia (there haven't really been that many). When you consider that the series is being played in Australia, against a team that hasn't been ravaged by World Series Cricket. It is quite remarkable.

By no means am I suggesting that this is because this England side are the best England side ever, or even the current No.1 side in the world (although on this evidence they surely have the potential to be). It is probably more down to the fact that a poor Australian side has encountered a well drilled, confident, ruthless and skillful team. A very un-English England side.

All the pre-series predictions were of a very close series. I myself first predicted a 2-1 win for Australia before changing my mind in favour of a 2-2 draw. How foolish and silly these predictions look now. I think these two sides on paper still look quite even. However, whilst the entire England team is in a rich vein of form only Michael Hussey can claim the same for Australia.

Australia have chopped and changed much like the hapless England sides of the 90's. England have shown they are capable of making big hundreds, they have a strong pace attack with good back-up (Chris Tremlett's performance proved this) and a world-class spinner who can win them games almost singlehandedly. Much like the all-conquering Australian side of the 90's and 00's.

Obviously, I am now going to have to change my pre-series prediction. Based on the last 9 days of cricket I am going to boldly plump for a 4-0 score-line. This England team closely resembles an unstoppable juggernaut at present and the Australians have presented me no evidence to suggest they have found a way to stop it. I don't think even a dead rubber at Sydney would be able to halt England in their quest to embarrass Australia in a way England know only too well after their 2006/07 mauling.

If Australia are to prove me wrong they will need an inspirational turnaround. Most likely from their captain Ricky Ponting. If he continues to struggle, I see no way back for Australia. Only a cataclysmic cock-up from England (something that admittedly is not too far fetched) could then save Australia from their doom.

So while we may not be watching a closely matched contest for the ages, a la 2005. We may very possibly be watching a changing of the guard. Could England be the next Australia? Well, if they keep playing as they are. There's no reason why not.