Is Australia really that bad?

Having dissected the weaknesses of the England cricket team its now time to put the Aussies under the sports psychologist microscope and find those glimmers of hope. We asked our in house Sports Psychologist to cast his eye over the Aussie team, find the positives and give some pointers as to how they can (to coin a phrase) Move Forward. Shane Watson Class will seem him through and the cream always rises to the top. His current LBW problem is nowhere near as bad as the one Gooch had against Alderman in the 80s, and Gooch didnt have the DRS to full back on. He looks good, the cover drive is class and if he can get past 30 (or even 40) he will cash in with something like a 70 or 80. Might not sound much, but the logic is 80 is better than 30. Dont drop him. Seems to getting along better with the captain, they were talking on the Lords balcony the other day and that just needs to be encouraged more when theyre in the slips. Chris Rogers Lovely fella and deserves a full crack over the 5 tests. A run machine in England and he will come good. He knows the Duke and any questions over his eye sight should be discarded. Usmain Khawaja Getting a good vibe after the excellent 50 at Lords. Looked composed and less nervous. Hes the new pup. Pup and Boof love him and confidence in a player goes a long way. Playing it beautifully in the nets and that counts for a lot when you are up against Anderson and Swann. Big future Phil Hughes Technique is everything and Hughes now has it in spades. Forget the blip of Lords and hang on to the 80 not out at Trent Bridge. Runs a bit hot and cold (and sometimes not at all) but we know he has talent and commeth the hour, commeth the Hughesy. Expecting big things, a little bit vulnerable early but technique will win the day Michael Clarke Think he has been under pressure but its now time for him free the shackles and find his inner batting self. Its like hes been turned away from his batting like a blind man and hes sat on a fence, but once he finds that inner batting self watch out England! Steve Smith Hes been a right laugh over the years but you can see he means business this time around. Less of lets get him in to the team so we can all have a bit of craic. Hes in the team to have a crack. Batting has improved, bowling is nearly test class. The fact that he got the same amount of runs as he did wickets in the last test really proves hes an allrounder. Brad Haddin Hes a rock and lets be honest none of us really warmed to Matthew Wade. Its great to have him back in the team and you can feel and see the difference. Not questions about his keeping and hasnt looked ring rusty at all. Gets into the faces of the opposition and will keep targeting Bell and Root as the vulnerable ones. Ashton Agar Its only two tests but you know a long term test player when you see one. The 98 was no flash in the pan and he could even move up the order in the longer term. In the team as a Spinner and once he gets on a wicket that takes spin the wickets will come. Nice Lad

Peter Siddle Runs in bowls, Runs in and bowls again. Doesnt do a lot with the ball but has got the batsman thinking he does. Hes clever and has the wickets to prove that. Looking lean and hungry James Pattison On his way home sadly with a back problem but lets be honest not a major loss as he bowled like a dog at Lords. Not sure he tours well and more of a home boy. Bird is an ideal replacement Ryan Harris Fit as a mallee bull, in the wickets and in for the long haul. The Physio is keeping a close eye on him but just get the feeling hes out of the woods. Have him pencilled in for the next 8 tests. A quick word on other Squad members: Ed Cowan- The brains of the operation and is unlikely to worry too much about being on the outer at the moment. Likely to get runs in the game against Sussex and is an ideal replacement in the unlikely event the top six dont start to fire up. Nathan Lyon All exuberance and really needs to get back in the team as the current leader of the team song. Has been working on his bowling and has the lyrics down pat. James Faulkner- Not been that busy and seems the excitable type. Like a young dog needs regular exercise and some purpose in life. Raring to go and surely didnt just come over to carry the drinks? Mitchell Starc- He wont admit but will be pleased to see the back of Patto, opening the door for an early return to the team. See him featuring sooner rather than later. Brings accuracy and control. Matthew Wade Doesnt seem in the best of moods. Boof said to be keeping a close eye on him. Keen to play at Sussex. Jackson Bird Looks arent everything in life and will he be vying with Starc to replace Pattison. Has a big nose so is likely to get the nod. David Warner - Well known English actor last seen in an episode of Dr Who. An unlikely starter for three remaining tests.

Note: The writer has lived in Australia since 1993 and is still recovering from the 20 years of hurt inflicted on the English cricket team by Australia. He understands and appreciates the pain and suffering associated with cricketing loss and dominance. He is here to help.