Things just aren't going to plan for Australia - in a nightmare week they have suffered four defeats in a row. The first was laughed off (Twenty20), the second was cause for concern (Somerset), the third was an historic shocker (Bangladesh) and this was the final loss that must cause Ricky Ponting to push that panic button he's been talking about.

When the momentum's with you in any sport, you are carried on a wave of good fortune and good form that hides many potential problems within the camp. Similarly, when you start rolling downhill, it is difficult to arrest the slide. Ponting's error was to start the slip in not taking the Twenty20 seriously. He didn't learn - he retired batsmen against Somerset; he batted first on a green top against Bangladesh. Anyone who has played sport knows you must be ruthless - and it is usually Australia who are champions at this. When you start double-faulting on purpose to give your opponent a chance, it's sometimes impossible to stop.

Nothing is going right for Australia on or off the pitch. Their coach got lost travelling to the ground. A few injuries and niggles worried players. Then, following Andrew Symonds's nocturnal adventure, a Sunday paper stitched up Shane Warne with another tale of sexual indiscretion. The double-faults just keep coming.

Australia were 57 for 0 and the openers had batted positively enough to hit Jon Lewis out of the attack on his home ground. Then they lose a wicket, and another, then three in four balls and suddenly they were in trouble. A successful rescue mission posted a competitive total, but England's catches keep sticking - Paul Collingwood took the catch of the century - and whenever Australia threaten to explode, they lose wickets. When you are in this form, you look at fielders not gaps, the ball never quite comes off the middle and all the little things go against you.

Then Jason Gillespie bowled an 11-ball first over and the momentum of the fielding performance was lost. Old England, though, did threaten to appear. Winning positions were lost through timely wickets, but just when Kevin Pietersen was opening his shoulders for another astonishing innings, Ricky Ponting threw the stumps down and the third umpire decided (correctly) against the visitors. Pietersen stayed in the match. This is the luck that has recently gone against England and with Australia.

Momentum leads to belief, which leads to confidence and luck. The truth is that Australia had this in the bag before they were Pietersened. Old Australia wouldn't have let this slip. In fact, that is the problem, this is old Australia and it's getting older. Jason Gillespie seemed to age with every six that was slogged off him in the final overs. The crowd ruffled Damien Martyn. Ricky Ponting looked lost and confused, like a grandfather trying to understand his grandson's iPod.

Ponting was positive about this performance - Australia batted well considering they lost wickets and bowled well for 35 overs - and there is a long way to go in the tour. If the momentum remains against them, if they do not turn it round soon, the reality of their years may creep up on this mature squad quicker than anyone would have dreamt.