Four in a Row?

The Australian Cricket team blitz the World Cup tournament in the West Indies and only hours after it was completed Tom Minear ponders over whether they can make it a fourth straight success in four years time.

Australia’s cricketing geniuses have done it again, knocking off Sri Lanka to claim our third successive World Cup Trophy. They were never pressed in the 2007 edition of cricket’s biggest event, not even in the final where Adam Gilchrist blazed a dynamite 149 to set up a certain win.

Nothing could stop them – Murali, the rain, Aleem Dar or Steve Bucknor. Australia was the best team, and the best team won.

So, where to from here? Glenn McGrath is now a mere mortal, returning from the Caribbean with the record for most wickets in a World Cup, and his retirement finally signed, sealed and delivered.

Question marks remain over Matthew Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, but judging by their form, you would suggest that both bludgeoning Southpaws have plenty left in the tank.

The Aussies look in superb shape as Tim Nielsen takes the reins from John Buchanan. It is a new era now – no McGrath and no Warne, two of the greatest bowlers ever – and no one can predict what this team will achieve. In the one-day arena, the more immediate targets are the Australian summer, and next year’s Champions Trophy. But what about the 2011 World Cup – can this world-beating unit make in four in a row?

Well, why not?

The next generation of Aussie greats are already well on their way to superstardom. Michael Clarke was a dominant and steady force at number four in the West Indies, finishing with 436 runs at an amazing average of 87.

His play was extraordinarily mature, with the young New South Welshman finally showing that he can mix his dangerous attacking strokes with cautious and safe defence in the testing moments. Clarke’s fielding was again first-class, and he also snared two wickets in the final.

John Buchanan was even talking about his star batsman being the next captain of Australia, and that looks a very likely prospect.

Shane Watson struggled with injury, but he has transformed his game to a level that is ready to bring him plenty of success on the international stage. Despite being forced to bat at number seven, the burly Queenslander finally showcased his hitting power in a few dashing cameo knocks.

Bowling was hard for him after battling numerous niggles, but with the proper rest over the next few months, he looms as the ideal man to bat at number six and bowl first change in this team for many years to come.

The emergence of Shaun Tait was a major bright spot from the West Indies, even brighter than the cameras that flashed through the dark during the final overs of Saturday’s match.

Coming into the tournament, there were a variety of question marks against his name. Is he too inexperienced? Can he stop the runs? Will he take wickets? Is Tait the man to take Brett Lee’s striking position?

Tait answered them all in style, taking 23 wickets which were good enough for second on the wickets table in the West Indies. He showed a much cooler head in the crunch moments, and was able to cut down on the bad deliveries and test batsmen out with more than just pace. Elements of swing and bounce were brought into Tait’s game, and he flourished as the leader of the pace battery.

Among the squad members, Mitchell Johnson did not play a game but has showed enough in the past to suggest he will be around for a while. Stuart Clark, Brad Hodge and Brad Haddin did not get much time in the middle, and despite their top-notch records, age will probably prevent them from playing a role in 2011.

But the team looks in great shape. There is a strong core, combining Clarke, Watson and Tait with the experience of Ponting, Hussey and Symonds, all of whom will hopefully stick around. There are also countless youngsters fighting for a spot in the team.

Dan Cullen and Cameron White are two stand outs, while names like North, Voges, Jaques, Hartley, Paine, Birt and Bailey are also in the frame. Then there is Moises Henriques, a phenomenal all rounder from NSW who can easily change games with the bat or the ball and will press for higher honours in the years to come.

With the development of these talented youngsters through the first class ranks and then with some international exposure, there is more than enough firepower in this team. Why stop at three World Cup wins in a row?

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!