Kangaroos on the run....

It is so disturbing to see Australia slide from the invincible side in world cricket to a mediocre playing outfit within a span of a year. And this slide started from the beginning of 2008 when India braved the monkeygate scandal that the Aussies dished out to win the One day series in Australia - the first in 20 odd years. While that series was a definite watershed, it was not a reason for this downfall.

Two things happened simultaneously. Three legendary greats of Aussie cricket in recent years retired - Shane Warne, McGrath,Adam Gilchrist. Only when they were gone did the enormity of their contribution to the famed Aussie side came to bear. It was once said that Australia cricketing system is so strong that they can field two equally strong sides in International cricket. Rubbish..As it turns out, their cricketing pipeline is no better than any other country and they are suffering from the same transition phase that all previous great teams across the world have faced.

The second thing that happened was that India and South Africa really improved their level of cricket and enjoyed the kind of purple run that was always associated with the Aussies. Australia came to India and got thrashed in both Tests and One days and the confidence of the fledgling side went for a toss. Then South Africa steamrolled them in Tests and One days in Australia in an unbelievable fashion. I never in my life remember them being humiliated at home.

Well anyways, I hope the Aussies come to terms with the facts which are really staring at them. They are no longer the team to beat. They are an average side under transition and need to be patient to build the team for future. And this stage requires maturity, poise and not arrogance and denial. Just as an example, last week Michael Clarke said that defeat to the Kiwis in unthinkable. Well two matches down in the 5 match series, Australia look down the barrel 0-2 down and the Kiwis have the perfect opportunity to nail it home this Sunday in Sydney. Now Kiwis are no mighty force to reckon with and this series loss should at least bring back some sanity in the Aussie camp.

With the tough tour of South Africa coming up, Ricky Ponting and his men should reflect on the last 6 months and be open to learning a few things. Australia have been a dominant force in world cricket for the last 10 years and people the world over love to watch them play. I just hope that their impunity and arrogance does not prevent their ascent back to the place they lost.