Ponting talks up Ashes after series win
Ricky Ponting is talking up Australia's Ashes chances after defeating South Africa. He cites the fact that Australia have won 8 of their last 9 Tests (the other one a hard fought draw by South Africa in Perth). While it sounds impressive, you have to consider our victories have been against an insipid World XI, the flighty West Indies who are ranked 8th in the world (above only Bangladesh and Zimbabwe) and South Africa who are ranked 6th. Plus Australia were outplayed in Sydney and it was only Graeme Smith's desperation to force a victory that handed the match to us.
Admittedly, South Africa are better than their #6 ranking indicates, coming off two losing series against #1 Australia and #2 England. But it's a little early to start crowing about how we've fixed all the problems exposed during the Ashes. Can our batsmen now play reverse swing? Can our bowlers take wickets on pitches that don't suit seam bowling? And what the hell is Andrew Symonds still doing in the side? Don't even get me started on Damien Martyn. I'm starting to get nervous that Australia have regained their swagger without any real justification. Let's hope Ponting just has his game face on and they're still doing the hard work in the background (and bring on Troy Cooley).
| Posted by JC on Thu 30 Mar |  5 comments |
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