Okay, so the Aussie cricket team is not invincible. A good catch or run out here, an inspired Flintoff spell there, and a brilliant Collingwood century somewhere in between can ensure that even an ODI side as pathetic as that of England can turn the tables on Ponting's men. Gone is the aura of irrepressible authority that seemed to have so thoroughly stunned the Englishmen (and the Kiwis too, for good measure) into submission only a fortnight ago. I guess this only goes to show just how important Andrew Symonds is to Australia's one-day make-up. And England's victory has just about set every single cricket follower's tongue wagging about how the World Cup isn't going to be a stroll in the park for Australia after all. While all of this may sound very nice and rosy, especially for all those competition-mad enthusiasts who have been lamenting the 'death' of cricket caused by Australia's ruthless domination of the sport, I still don't think any other team in world cricket have got it in them to stand up to the Aussie bullies with more than just a strong heart and a tough spirit. The ability of the Australian team remains unmatched - with a batting line-up like theirs, and a bowling attack that cannot find a place for Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark, South Africa and Co. will be hard pressed to hand it to the Aussies in crunch games like semi-finals or finals. And that is the naked truth, whether you like it or not. Competition-mad enthusiasts, you can take a hike.
Meanwhile, the English team is suddenly beloved again. Flintoff's cheery, casual, mischievous grin that he had so made his own last year is back, and so is optimism among the British media about England's World Cup chances. But I wouldn't get too excited too soon (not that I want to get excited - the England ODI team inspires just about as much excitement as Zimbabwe's hopes of a Test recall). After all, they're only just two Australia-inflicted thrashings away from returning to the grief stricken despair that they were in two weeks ago. Let's just wait and watch then, shall we?
West Indies cricket and Marlon Samuels, on the other hand, have managed to find yet another way to plunge into darkness and misery. Exactly how darned stupid Samuels would have to be to have allowed himself to get caught on tape having a conversation with a bookie, or a friend who sounds very much like a bookie, is beyond my comprehension. And from the looks of things, Samuels will be taking Chris Gayle down with him too. Honestly, I cannot believe this guy. For six years I have been tearing my hair in frustration at the incandescent talent of Samuels and his woeful inability to convert that talent into anything significant, and just when things were finally appearing to be falling into place for him with a century against Pakistan and a brilliant 98 against India, he goes out and shoves himself into this depressing mess. I'll just pray that Brian Lara doesn't lose his mind completely, seeing how determined his teammates and the West Indies cricket board are to ensure that he never brings back any semblance of dignity to West Indies cricket. Sad. Really, really sad.
What was not sad was the sensational batting exhibition put up by South Africa in the first game of their 5-match series with Pakistan which was followed up by a Pakistani assault in the very next game. If for South Africa Mark Boucher was stunningly effective and Jacques Kallis willing to show he can whack a cricket ball with all the savage force of a Lance Klusener, then Shahid Afridi was absolutely brutal and Mohammad Yousuf clinically classy for Pakistan. Clearly, 350+ scores are going to become much more commonplace in ODIs now. Which is simply terrific news. And cricket pundits who can't stand big hitting and would much rather watch quality bowling, you can take a hike too!
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