Statement of Intent

Statement of Intent - That certainly was, when Aussies just swatted the USA team, with complete arrogance and force. There are two Silver Wares that are missing from the Aussie collection, in fact there were three few months back, 1. a series win in SL, 2. Champions Trophy and a 3. series win in India. The first one they achieved in style, the second one is in progress where they have made their intentions very clear. Aussies are currently playing 'Complete Cricket' with possibly 99.99% efficiency.

In fact, I had a great time watching the One-Off One day match between Pak and Aus. The situation was ripe for a Pak win - Big score on board, Pak chasing, the top four Pak batsman down and out, (usually the top four play an insignificant role, mostly they set the launch for Inzamam and Youhanna to team up and build from scratch). No team, I believe are fantastic than Pakistan, when it comes down to chasing totals because of their positive attitude and sheer belief in themselves. They are possibly, mentally toughest bunch around, Inzamam in particular is completely and supremely confident. They had build the innings, and were about to take off, their victory was in air, and yet Australia managed to pull them down, all in a single Kasprowicz over, (who I think is the biggest threat for the next few series). It was as awe-inspiring as it can be.

Currently there is just no way any team who can beat Aussies in One Dayers. New Zealanders and Indians might have their good days against them, once in a while, but it's mostly Australia all the way. I am sure they would walk away with the Champions trophy. That would leave them with only with the India series. There's all the possibility that Sachin would not be around for that series, which is a big blow, more about Sachin's absence later, but it does appear that everything is falling in place for Aussies to beat India in India .... yet there are some other factors which wouldn't make it easy for them.

There is Ganguly to contend with and then there is Harbhajan, but more than later....