Johannesburg '06 was the greatest

Here was a tale so far-fetched that no sensible person could conceive of it. Here was a chase so absurd that it might as well have been abandoned before it began. Here was a day on which 30,000 spectators of all hues rejoiced in the ferment of the moment and in the glory of an inspired victory.

After a summer of experimentation that was supposed to yield some finality about Australia's bowling stocks for next year's World Cup, the only certainty is one that was widely known before the season began. Without Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath, the world champion's prospects with the ball are undeniably weak. In failing to defend a world record limited-overs total of 434 against a team missing its in-form big hitter - Shaun Pollock, who was a pre-match withdrawal because of back pain - Australia received its most sobering reminder yet of life beyond its two ageing champions.