Aussies In Transition: The Decline of The Best

Since the 2006/07 Ashes series the Australians have lost many key players and it seems that this is finally starting to hit back at them.

With the main players such as Warne, McGrath, Gilchrist and Langer departing the scene and being clear losses to the team, the likes of Stuart McGill are also being sorely missed, as was shown in India.

There has been very adequate cover at the top of the order for Langer with initially Phil Jacques, but now the highly impressive Simon Katich and the world beating Michael Hussey have fit into the equation in recent years. Also, with Stuart Clarke fitting in for Glenn McGrath there hasn't been that much of a problem in the seam department.

There has, however, been great difficulty in replacing Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne. With the best efforts of off-spinner Jason Krejza in the final test in India taking 12-358, there has been little else for the best team in the world to fall back on.

With the mediocre "spin" of Cameron White in India, the Australian attack looked depleted, even though White did pick up the prize wicket of Sachin Tendulkar twice in the series, but only taking five wickets averaging over 68.

Also, with Brad Haddin being an impressive gloveman, his batting prowess leaves much to be desired compared to that of Adam Gilchrist, as Haddin's stats show, an average of 26.07 in his eight test matches to date, similar to that of the old expectations of a 'keeper before the age of the great Gilchrist.

If it weren't for the 2005 Ashes series there would be no doubt Gilchrist would have had an average in excess of 55, which Haddin nor many other wicketkeepers are able to keep up with.

Could the powerful force of Australian cricket finally be coming back down on par with the other nations, besides India, who seem to be getting better and better with the un-ending supply of incredible talent?

It seems the Australians will have to find a solution quickly if they want to maintain their status of best in the world, with departures such as Matthew Hayden still to come in the not too distant future, there is enough talent to replace the "big boys."