Cricket: Are these the worst Aussies ever?

Ricky Ponting has not been at his best himself - but his teammates have not helped the cause much, either. Photo / Getty Images

They never like to admit it to anyone except themselves but at several points in their history Australia have had awful cricket teams. In 1912, in 1978-79 and in 1985 they were roundly defeated by England.

There were reasons, however. Six players were effectively on strike in 1912, plenty more had dashed for the dosh to the breakaway World Series Cricket in 1978-79 and a few others had plighted their troth to the apartheid pariah of South Africa in 1985. Their finest were unavailable.

This lot of 2010, however, are the best they have got. No strike, a rebellion or a boycott in sight; just a bunch of average international cricketers picked by an average bunch of selectors.

Where they go from an innings defeat on a flat pitch after winning a key toss only they can decide, assuming their selectors are capable of deciding anything. But it is a jolt to the notion of the strength of Australia's first-class cricket. Indeed, before the Ashes began, England were confronted by some insipid state opposition.

If they have been in long-term trouble before, Australia have usually found their way out of it. True, in 1958-59, after losing three successive Ashes series, they won by fielding a succession of throwers but generally they have relied on the less unorthodox methods permitted by a nation blessed with sunshine.

England are keen to point out they have won a match, not a series. But all of Australia knows their team are not what they were and is rounding on them like a mad dog in the midday sun.

To denigrate Australia is to damn England with faint praise. The tourists deserve better; they have played sleek cricket. England's greatest wins in Australian were in 1928-29 and 1932-33 when they won 4-1 both times with Don Bradman in the opposition. It would be a tough call to say that this is Australia's worst team. But to have a hope they need a Bradman and quickly.

- Independent