The 'pathetic' number one

Fatullah stadium in Bangladesh was blessed with an amazing 1st Test match. Bangladesh have deserved every praise that came their way for displaying a new-found spirit . Euphoria over, let us now spare a thought for the other 'pathetic' side that participated in a contest few saw coming.

It is now official for the nth time. When the going gets tough Australian batsmen get going. Am I stating the obvious? Very few would have thought so when stumps were drawn on 2nd day of Fatullah Test.

Cricinfo's S Rajesh analyses 2nd innings batting displays of teams and observes in his Friday column:

"In absolute terms, Australia are the side which score the most number of runs in their second innings, which is hardly surprising considering the fact four of the eight most prolific second-innings batsmen in this period (since 1990) are Australians (qualification 1500 runs)."

Leaving aside the phenomenal bowling performances of Australians during the period, the figures cited in that feature underline the fundamental difference between Australia and also-rans. Since their (unsuccessful) 1998 tour of India two instances come to mind when Australian batsmen have failed to pull in their collective weight to turn a looming series defeat in their favour. Just two, in all of eight years!

Terrific as they have been over the years, the Australian bowlers are lent a definitive cutting edge by their ever dependable batsmen. Led by the Bradmanesque Ricky Ponting they seem to be endlessly capable of taking care of another bowling bungle. And another.

The bowling is already down a notch or two and some think the batting magic is also on the wane. The hopefuls eyeing the numero uno spot can still only dream of emulating the performances of awesome Australia in the 9 months since the Ashes drew to a close.

Pathetic indeed.