Australia's woes in England

There was a feeling of schadenfreude, as rain washed out the 3^rd ODI that was to be played between Australia and England at Edgbaston. England was denied the chance of attaining the No. 1 ranking in ODIs, which they would have done had they beaten Australia 5-0 in the on-going series (there seemed a good chance of that given how the first two games had turned out). Australia’s defense of their No.1 ranking was vulnerable and their cathedra under serious threat after the first two ODIs, at the hands of a very proficient England team who were at their best. The Australians, clearly struggling to find form in any facets of their game, must have breathed a sigh of relief when rain ruled out England’s chances of snatching the top spot from them.

Where have the Australians gone wrong?

2-0 down in the series, Australia is evidently struggling. There were high expectations entwined with the team, as is always the case when they travel to play against arch-rivals England. That hope only rose after the sporadic bursts of excellence from Brett Lee and Pat Cummins in the washed-out practice game against Ireland and the tour game vs Essex, but – as has been quite apparent in the ODI series – they were underdone. There were spells where the Australians were in control and seemed like making the most of the position they were in, only to help shift back the momentum to the Englishmen, who held on to their momentum once they got it. The bowling, without the assistance of former coach McDermott, seems to have taken a beating. And the batting resources seem scanty.

The entire flimflam about Pat Cummins and James Pattinson was diffused when Pat Cummins developed a side strain after the game and was declared to miss the entire series, while Pattinson warmed the benches. Mitchell Johnson, who was making a comeback after a year, was picked for the second ODI to replace the injured Pat Cummins. But Johnson’s comeback was as disappointing as Australia’s all-round performance. There was barely anything noteworthy in the first two games except for their inability to provide breakthroughs at required times. Given that the defence of the No. 1 title is off their back, maybe both Pattinson and Hilfenhaus could find a place in the remaining games at the expense of Doherty and Johnson. Going in with a 4-pacemen attack could be a little risky, but Australia has in the past played with all pacers. Brett Lee got off to an archetypal start by keeping the openers watchful at Lord’s in the first ODI, but with the other bowlers failing to keep up the pressure, it wasn’t long before the Englishmen began to counter-attack. There’s nothing much else to say about the bowling – it was that lacklustre.

Game two was a horror show by the Australian batsmen, and their miseries were most starkly evident in the period between overs 20 to 31, overs where only 23 runs were scored. Having been 100/2 after 20 overs, Watson and Forrest only managed to put on 23 in the next 10 overs, which was the turning point in the game as England had no such bald patches during their stint with the bat.

Ponting’s exit from the No.3 slot has only increased the uncertainties in the batting lineup. Watson, Forrest and Bailey have taken turns to occupy that slot after Ponting was dropped, but have only seen limited success. This is yet another woe added to Clarke’s growing list of problems. Perchance, Clarke should take it upon himself and come at No.3 instead of 4 and provide solidity to the innings like Ponting did during his time. Coming at No.3 would give him the chance to set himself in and score at a fair rate – like he has always done – and lead the team to a decent total. Honestly, no batsman other than Clarke seems suited for the No. 3 position right now.

Is ‘Mr. Dependable’ Mike Hussey’s absence hurting the Australians? Sure it is. Hussey is one of those cricketers who could find a place in any cricket team, on any given day without a second thought. Performing in times of crisis is his forte and Australia has sorely missed his services.

Have they tried too many things?

Steve Smith was left out of the second ODI to make way for Peter Forrest; Mitchell Johnson was brought in, which meant there was no vacant spot for either Hilfenhaus or Pattinson; George Bailey was dropped down the order from No.3 to No.5. It is natural to try something new when things are not exactly working out as anticipated, but perhaps they haven’t found the right composition yet?

It might be too late now, and the series could very well end by the time they find the ideal composition. Since they don’t have much to lose from here on – as the washed out game means that England cannot lose the series from here – the Australians’ best shot is to give it all they have and make the most of the resources they have.

The team for the last two ODIs might look something like this:

Clarke (c), Wade (wk), Warner, Watson, Bailey, D. Hussey, Forrest, McKay, Lee, Pattinson and Hilfenhaus.