HERE IT goes– familiar script, familiar storyline and a familiar ending. Once more Australia is declared the world winner. It seems that now they have become habitual of being on the top. The long-term supremacy of this nature not only invites envy but a bit of derision as well. Suddenly for some, this is an excuse to term it “boring” and “predictable”. Somehow the perception is - if a particular team is too strong for the others, it has to suffer the usual remarks. It’s hard not to dislike the winning juggernaut. What else could one hope to do amidst such unopposed ascendancy?

 

At one end of the spectrum sits the opposition’s scorn and yet on the other end, much promising in all respects, come to pass calls for tougher opposition. If Australia were to put an end to all progress whatsoever, the others might have a little hope of catching up with them in due course. This, however, seems impossible considering the manner in which the Aussies go about their cricket. Compare it with the almost blasé expressions of the English when they were booted out in a deciding match by South Africa.

 

The question here arises - is the Aussie dominance killing cricket and belittling the opposition into complete subjection? If so, what are the repercussions? At first time nothing comes to mind. And if anything comes it is - the Aussie dominance should act as a catalyst to spring others into a long-term drive towards progress. How they achieve it will strictly depend upon their country and coaches. There isn’t a set strategy to emulate the Aussies. What works for some doesn’t necessarily work for others. One should not also expect from others to have the same killer instinct and hard-hitting mentality that the Aussies possess. Their psyche is geared towards winning and definitely does not include turning up for the sake of it as an option. Complacency isn’t a word you would associate with them. While others might indulge in a few Brownie point exercises, the Aussies are a bunch of ultimate professionals that are averse to any such niceties. Sometimes it isn’t pretty to watch their antics on field but who cares if at the end of day they are declared ‘Worlds Champs’

 

The only consolation facing this uncontrollable juggernaut is that if we look at the past, the performance of various teams kept on varying time to time. The mighty Windies went from unbeatable to punching bags in just two decades. It hasn’t happened as yet but how long can the Aussies sustain such high level of cricket? As reminded over and over again, the bubble ought to burst at some point. For over a decade, Australia has raised their game to unexpected levels. Going by their recent showings, the familiar scripts are bound to be re-written. Who can counter this massive inexorable force that seems to crush everything comes in its way? Guess Australia has the answers for this one too.