Taking the positives for Australia (for ye of little faith)

On the face of it, a 0-2 in India - comprising one Test let slip to a crocked batter, and another with an impressive batting collapse and finally defeat by a street - might be thought slightly disappointing.

But that is surely a very superficial view, when you consider for a few moments all that Oz have got out of the experience.

Let's go that extra mile, and think it through. Let's accentuate the positives.

1. First and foremost, Marcus NORTH has put all his detractors including yours truly right back in their boxes. His first innings knock, in a situation of supreme adversity, stuck it right up the Indians and the carping armchair critics alike. Cemented on the world stage, he is at last a nailed-on cert for the Ashes. And Australia knows it can depend on him for runs, and big runs, whenever it counts. What a vindication for the NSP this is.

2. Nathan HAURITZ displayed all the stamina and resilience in the world. Nobody can doubt that he can be there for the duration, bowling over after over after over. That is precisely the sort of deep-resourced character you need for the Ashes (unless Steve Harmison is playing).

3. Charlie GEORGE. His name is already legend. Barely put a foot conspicuously wrong all match. And most important, his selection shows that NSP are no stick-in-the-muds, dully choosing players on reputation alone, but enterprising, bold, showing all that is good about Oz by blooding a youngster out of the blue, and thereby putting the old era of the McGraths, Warnes, Langers and such overhyped time-servers to rest at last.

4. Ricky PONTING. What more can be said of this near-mythical Middle-Earth figure? Proved he can still chip in with useful scores with the bat, and with unparalleled staying power as an upbeat, ever-hopeful and resourceful captain, he has richly earned renewed respect, both in the dressing room and amongst all former Australian Test stars.

5. Shane WATSON. It wasn't long ago that this blonde titan of an all-rounder was being derided as fragile, weak, physically unreliable. But he made it throughout the whole tour, without any apparent trace of Delhi belly, Bangalore backdoor trots, or any other affliction wished on him by those who are small in spirit. He is also improving in facial performance, virtually eliminating the Little Lord Fauntleroy weepy grimace when things don't go his way.

6. Michael CLARKE demonstrated to one and all he doesn't need Laura Bingle. True, he did not stand out particularly with his batting skills. But what a team player he has become!

7. Andrew HILDITCH. Showed further evidence, if it were needed, of shrewd selection and direction policies, and demonstrated to all and sundry that he is indeed there for the hard miles ahead, come what may. And in doing so, he will continue to harvest the unconditional admiration and fanatical devotion of Australian cricket lovers everywhere.

Although I am English, I have to say: Hats off to The Man. Long may Andrew Hilditch rule as the generalissimo of Australian cricket.


8. Last and by no means least, AUSTRALIA has shown subtlety and insight in trumping the Poms at their own game, by manoeuvring themselves into a place as something like underdogs for the forthcoming Ashes series.

From this position as an (apparently) struggling, (to the idle observer) even somewhat mediocre outfit, they are now in prime position to stuff the arrogant, delusional, snooty and thoroughly complacent Englanders once again, and administer another thumping 5-0 trouncing that will be all the sweeter for being unexpected this time around.

Good to see North get that century. I'm really scared of how he will play against England now.

He'll make treble centuries for fun against England...

This could end up being the biggest reverse reverse woof of all time.

You have got to have a reasonable bit of confidence in life, Ange.

That, and fun.

I'm giggling

NIce try Pete, but I don't know how many Aussies are in the mood for that much attenmpted levity right now. Maybe a few days too soon.

Not like Zat to take the moral high ground on an issue...

Not like Smerk to completely miss the point. Oh, wait...

Oh wait...but there was moral fibre in your words?

"Be nice to Australians because they've just taken a horrendous beating in a recent Test series".

No I understood your "point", I was merely pointing out your "say it like you see it" approach doesn't necessarily take you down the moral path. All the time...

DJ_Smerk wrote:No I understood your "point"

My point that Pete's post was unlikely to be appreciated? No, that one went straight through to the keeper with you. If I'd wanted Pete to be 'nice' as you so sunshiney/lollipoppy put it, I would have said that. Before you try to read between the lines, try to read the lines as written.

Duly noted, Zatty.

Zat wrote:Not like Smerk to completely miss the point. Oh, wait...

first he posts in puns and now this.

Any residual doubt that smerkpcsmerlin are the same is quickly disappearing

Woody is right on time!

Welcome to the discussion, Woods.

We have squash and biscuits ready for you. We knew you were coming.

Zat wrote:NIce try Pete, but I don't know how many Aussies are in the mood for that much attenmpted levity right now. Maybe a few days too soon.

Indeed. Poor form, Petey. Kick a man when he's down, why don't you.

Only the Watto recap was remotely accurate.

DJ_Smerk wrote:Woody is right on time!

Welcome to the discussion, Woods.

We have squash and biscuits ready for you. We knew you were coming.

that was an hour ago

in the shower

When is Watson due a dip in form?

About 11am on November 25th one would hope...

G.Wood wrote:

DJ_Smerk wrote:Woody is right on time!

Welcome to the discussion, Woods.

We have squash and biscuits ready for you. We knew you were coming.

that was an hour ago

in the shower

You've given new meaning to the term, "water biscuit".

And the Smerk-hunting dingo-pack is complete!

There is no dingo pack.

.

skully wrote:

Zat wrote:NIce try Pete, but I don't know how many Aussies are in the mood for that much attenmpted levity right now. Maybe a few days too soon.

Indeed. Poor form, Petey. Kick a man when he's down, why don't you.

Only the Watto recap was remotely accurate.

But the point of that sententia is that the man suffering the accidental or fateful misfortune bears no responsibility himself ....

In any case, was basically having a topical jest, with the odd satirical comment, in hopes of drawing the odd wince from Down Under.

Might as well, as there have been few occasions for that in the last two decades.

I would still imagine (pace Hilditch and Ponting as Capn) the brighter lights in the Oz setup will win the Ashes by a couple of Tests.

You have a vivid imagination.

positives: Ponting, Watson, Hilfenhaus, and Paine.

all Tasmanians ...

If you regard Punter as a positive, you are well and truly farked.