Australia's ODI batting looks one-dimensional

None of the other local batsmen caught the eye and most will be hard-pressed to hold their positions. Maybe Twenty20 has taught them about the big shots but not the little shots. Once cast in steel, Michael Hussey nowadays seems to be made of china. Maybe No. 4 is not his best position because it leaves him betwixt and between. His strength lies in his ability to rearrange an innings. He is a match player not a machine. Even in the Test side he might be happier at No. 5.

David Hussey, Brad Haddin, Cameron White and James Hopes have looked too similar to play in the same team. None of them work the ball around, placing the ball into gaps or dropping it at their toes. Not long ago J-P Duminy passed 50 without once crossing the boundary or falling behind the clock. None of the incumbents use their feet confidently against spin, instead they rely upon sweeps and blows. Fertility has its part to play in batting. Jacques Kallis' knack of opening the face of his bat to glide good deliveries towards third man prevents the pressure building so that desperation does not seize his mind.