There is still plenty for Australia, and England, to play for in this final Test. For England, series victories in Australia historically come along few and far between, while we are on top, buoyant from retaining the Ashes, it is vital we claim the series aswell.
Would be scant consolation to deprive England of that victory for Australia, yet it would ensure they don't lose the series, and there would be some satisfaction in taking some of the gloss off England's retention of the urn.
England have been the better side, but a 2-2 series score would not suggest that.
Strauss has said absolutely all the right things since winning in Melbourne, this is a step towards our aim of becoming the number one side in the world, our immediate focus is winning this next Test and with it the series, etc. Let's hope those words are backed up by the necessary actions, and you do get the feeling with the meticulous Andy Flower in charge, that they will be fully charged and ready to go for the jugular in Sydney, without believing our job is already done.
Is it all doom and gloom for Australia ? Things aren't half as bad as they currently seem. With all the emotion of an Ashes failure comes over-reaction, over the top criticism, and a genuine feeling of everything in the structure is wrong. It is cyclical we all know that, and it's now up to the management to plot their way back to the top. So the key experienced players need to be identified, Hussey and Haddin the two that led the way for them in this series are certainties to maintain their places for the foreseeable. As to who the best youngsters are around, that is open to interpretation and skill at making correct judgements. Is it Smith, Khawaja, Hughes, Ferguson, etc, whoever is chosen, the patience with them is key.
For Australia to get the next phase in their rebuilding right, it will take clarity of thought, some well sought opinions from those in the best positions to offer their advice, and crucially, time. There probably isn't the depth around domestic cricket in Australia in comparison to what they are used to, so selection will never be straight forward or universally agreed, but the players that are identified as the future of this Aussie Test side will need to be given opportunities alongside the more consistent performers.
As for Ponting, well I think that's one for another thread.
I actually enjoyed seeing the 'Sprinkler Celebration' at the end. Where the action came from and who invented it matters not a jot, the fact is it's a celebration that has taken off in England, a montage can be seen on one of Swanny's video diaries of people around the country doing their version. The celebration from the team just showed it remembers the fans, it's fun, and it was good to see.
