Australia's next generation

In the nick of time a group of players is emerging capable of rejuvenating Australian fortunes. The Big Bash and other domestic affairs have thrown up a few prospects to savour even as the old guard remind observers of the folly of judging a sportsman by his birth certificate, writes Peter Roebuck in the Sydney Morning Herald.

In a trice Finch has become a vital member of his State side. That his promotion into the team was somewhat delayed has not harmed him. In the interim he added to his skills and has emerged ready to rumble. Of late, Victorian batsmen have felt neglected. Finch is destined to break the mould.

At the start of the campaign Patrick Cummins expected to spend the summer concentrating on his books and opening the bowling for Penrith. He seemed to have more chance of becoming Tasmania's Premier than playing for his State. A spate of injuries and promotions left NSW searching high and low for a fellow capable of hurling them down. And then word spread about this express train from the Blue Mountains.