Humble Pie

I am prepared to admit that after my criticism of the Australian team and in particular Ponting, Haddin and Johnson that they have come out and played a large part in Australia's win over South Africa to square the series.

I admit that I thought all three would struggle in this game and potentially be playing their last test match and was very glad to wake up to the news that Australia had won a close game.  I won't go as far as saying my calling for changes in the team was unwarranted though.  One innings does not always deserve another chance, the time has come for Australia to move forward and stop hoping that players will return to past glories and the old "his next good game is just around the corner." 

Although Australia won it was still a lot closer than should have been.  Ponting got his long awaited fifty but didn't hang around to ensure the victory, Haddin did the same and whilst Johnson had a good game with the bat he is in the team for his bowling.  Johnson has had a woeful tour yet again and should be preparing himself for a long shield season before he gets national selection again.  Haddin's time is surely up and Victoria's Matthew Wade might get the tap on the shoulder for the Gabba.  In sacking Haddin Australia will lose nothing as his glove work is easily replaceable and his batting is sub-standard on most occasions.  Then all it comes down to whether Ricky Ponting is allowed to continue on and retire when he is ready or is given the tap on the shoulder to allow an up and coming form batsmen in the team.

Looking forward to the Test match Johnson will be missing and you will see either Harris if he is fit or ben Cutting who form deserves a run at his home ground.  Also missing should be Haddin but for some reason the selectors have always liked this guy so it is hard to know who will be behind the stumps.  With two changes the selectors will be cautious about replacing Ponting too but maybe that is what the Australian team needs.  When players think that they will always be picked, complacency always occurs.