To Ashes

Heart broken. That’s how my plight was when Hussey fell to Schwann. Defeat was imminent after Ponting ran recklessly, possibly to give a farewell gift to Freddie, who accepted it with pleasure. Actually, defeat was on the horizon after their first innings fiasco. The Aussies looked impetuous right from the word go. Their usually rock solid bats lookied wavering. The once mighty & invincible Aussies fell, like everything that rises does. Gone are the days when the Aussies would rout the English mercilessly in their own backyard. Earlier, the English aimed to loose the series by the smallest possible margin. They would gratefully accept a 2-1 defeat; ask Nasser Hussain, Alec Steward or Caddick.

But now, things have changed after the fateful departure of the greats of Aussie cricket: McGrath, Warne, Gilli, Hayden, Langer, Martyn and others. Aussies now struggle for victory, unlike in past when triumph came naturally to them.

People hate the Aussies, mainly because of their hogwash, on and off the field. But they had an attitude, that of a victorious soldier towards the prisoners of war. Their mind games worked. They stalked their prey like a leapord. Their sonorous appeals often invited refree’s wrath. All said, they knew how to win.

Things have changed now though, the era of their domination seems to be over. There are resurgent teams vying to take the top spot. The Proteas are the frontrunners. But I am sure no other team can dominate world cricket as the Aussies once did.

I wish and hope the Aussies come out the despondent state to prevail again…….