Same old story

The actors may change but the script remains the same.

In the wee hours of yesterday morning (our time), Australia defeated their game trans-Tasman cousins, New Zealand, to lift cricket's ICC Champions Trophy with a six-wicket victory in the final at Super Sport Park, Centurion, South Africa.

There are no longer any McGraths, Warnes, Haydens or Gilchrists in this gold-clad squad but it still moves to a different beat than its rivals on the big stage. Yesterday's victory was Australia's fifth multi-team one-day triumph in the past six events and the Aussies have now backed up their hat trick of World Cup wins with back-to-back Champions trophies.

This mini-World Cup was supposed to be all about South Africa or India usurping Australia's crown and validating a new world cricketing order in the one-day game but neither of the pre-tournament favorites was able to emerge from the group stage. The talent-laden hosts again got stage fright when the spotlight was on while the Indians, not blessed with the rub of the green during the two-week event, were shown up for their lack of quality bowling.

A third-string West Indies team was brave but out of its depth and Sri Lanka, after a bright start against South Africa, lost their way against New Zealand and England. Mercurial Pakistan appear on the verge of great things, with talent to burn, but skill must be complemented with discipline and that's where they fell down against the Antipodean teams.

England, coming off a 6-1 one-day drubbing at home against Australia, went hell for the leather and made a surprise semi appearance, only to be crushed by the old foe and the Kiwis, again, punched above their weight while seeming to lose a key player each game. Their unkindest cut of all came an hour before the final when canny Black Caps skipper Daniel Vettori was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Meanwhile, Australia, entering stage left, just did what they always seem to do ... win.

Undefeated throughout the tournament, Ricky Ponting has a young, hungry team at his disposal, which has tasted success and will now undoubtedly hunger for more.

The captain led from the front with a tournament leading 288 runs, which earned him the player of the series title. However, most heartening for Australia and frightening for the rest of the world were the performances of the new brigade.

Fill-in opener Shane Watson, 28, followed two ducks with a semi score of 136 not out against England and then a final riposte of 105, again undefeated. He also claimed six wickets with his more than useful medium-quick deliveries.

The champions also got key efforts at crucial times from back-up keeper Tim Paine, 24, pacemen Mitchell Johnson, 27, and Peter Siddle, 24, under-used all-rounder Cameron White, 26, middle-order bat Callum Ferguson, 24, and under-rated spinner Nathan Hauritz, 27.

Toss in sterling fast bowling from veteran Brett Lee and the steadying middle-order influence of fellow old hand Michael Hussey and the future couldn't look brighter for Australia.

Have you read that script somewhere before?

Tym Glaser is an Australian sports copy editor still smarting from the loss of the Ashes

(China Daily 10/07/2009 page11)