Cricket: Australia's succession of the kings

Australia celebrate their first test victory over England in the Ashes. Picture / Reuters

Back in another time, seemingly another dimension, Australia weren't all that good. In fact they were actually pretty lousy.

When a triumvirate of legends all went at once, Australia had no succession strategy in place.

Where once Dennis Lillie, Rod Marsh and Greg Chappell bestrode the MCG and SCG, Australia turned to the likes of Greg Dyer, Greg Ritchie and Greg Campbell.

Australia swore it would never happen again and planned accordingly.

An academy was opened in Adelaide - it now has various satellites and is considered the model for academies around the world - which focused on teaching talented youngsters how to play winning cricket. Their brutal metropolitan grade cricket ensured players had the necessary toughness but the academy taught them technique.

Where once players wrote their own retirement scripts, now they are quietly, and sometimes not so quietly, pushed on while still having something to offer. Even the best are not immune - look at Ian Healy and Mark Waugh.

Australia recognises the importance of turning over their staff. Bring a couple of pups into the team at regular intervals and assimilate them with hardened internationals.

But the Australian selectors now face their most challenging task since the mid-80s. There is a chance, albeit a tiny one, that the world might have to play serfs no longer.

Over the next four years the careers of the following players will almost certainly end - Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Shane Warne, Damien Martyn and Jason Gillespie. The demands of their trade mean there can be no guarantees over pacemen Michael Kasprowicz and Brett Lee.

England tour Australia in 2006-07. By that time the squad might have a distinctly different look to it and, by the time they tour England again in 2009, it will be unrecognisable.

Matt Hayden (33)

Just starting to show signs of creaking. A bullying batsman but when your eyes start to go your hands follow and he is missing a lot of balls he once hit for four. Has not scored a test century for 25 innings.

Stay or go by 2009: Go

Possible replacement: Mike Hussey - No spring chicken either but there is a certain disbelief he hasn't been given a shot by now. Averages 129 in ODIs.

Justin Langer (34)

Had a massive 2004 and started the Ashes like he was the only in-form batsman. Loves what he does so much you can't see him ever retiring. Ridiculously fit.

Stay or go by 2009: Go

Possible replacement: Phil Jaques - Another leftie and a prolific first-class batsman, averaging more than 52 with 14 tons.

Ricky Ponting (30)

Still in great form and captain of the best cricket team in the world isn't going to force him out early with stress-related illness. Could be around for two more Ashes series yet.

Stay or go by 2009: Stay

Damien Martyn (33)

Looks about 23 and bats like it too. Six years out of the game at the top level means he's probably fresher than most who have been in the grinder for so long but has talked about the World Cup in 2007 being his swansong.

Stay or go by 2009: Go

Possible replacement: Brad Hodge - In the squad for the past year without having a chance to shine. The most attractive batsman in Australia on his day.

Michael Clarke (24)

The pup of the squad and the one they talk about being a fixture for the next 10 years. Clarke has already experienced outrageous highs and a not insignificant low in his brief career.

Stay or go by 2009: Stay

Simon Katich (29)

Probably has another Ashes tour in him after taking an eternity to force his way into the test team. Has quickly become the Mr Dependable of the middle order.

Stay or go by 2009: Stay

Adam Gilchrist (33)

Has talked longingly of retirement and the opportunity to spend more time with his kids. Physically, he's in a high-stress position, though you wouldn't think so the way he bats.

Stay or go by 2009: Go

Possible replacement: Brad Haddin. The New South Welshman is already Gilchrist's understudy and has scored four first-class centuries and averaged an impressive 60 in state cricket last season.

Shane Warne (35)

Almost as prolific on the field as he is off (if the weekly revelations in the English tabloids are to be believed), Warne is, however, held together by sticky tape.

Stay or go by 2009: Go

Replacement: Cameron White - another Victorian wrist spinner with big wraps. If he doesn't master the art, South Australian offie Daniel Cullen is highly regarded in a country suspicious of finger spinners.

Brett Lee (28)

The guy has played only 38 tests so his body is less taxed than you might expect. If he is around for the next tour, it might not be at 150km/h.

Stay or go by 2009: Stay

Jason Gillespie (30)

The poor bugger might not get to the next test, let alone the next Ashes tour. Years of injury and hard work are beginning to show... and it's not a pretty sight.

Stay or go by 2009: Go

Possible replacement: Shaun Tait - very fast with an excellent record in his brief first-class career. His radar is not always finely tuned but at 150km/h, who cares. The South Australian might even get a test on this tour.

Glenn McGrath (34)

A super-efficient action and recent operations have seen McGrath's career get a second wind. He'll need a third one to get him back to England though.

Stay or go by 2009: Go

Possible replacement: Nathan Bracken - A left-armer in the Bruce Reid mould, can make the ball talk on his day but, when it's not swinging, he looks a little pedestrian.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY