The constant excuses given by the Australian team on their recent performances against the Indian team during the Test Series down under, is apalling to say the least. Talented and gutsy as the Australian team is, it has been unchallenged at home or abroad by any team. Overconfidence oozed from the kangaroos when they won the tri-series in India and comments like, ’’The Indians will face chin-music’’, were hurled at the Indians. The Indian and Australian media did not help either, predicting a 4-0 whitewash of the Indians.
The result of the Test Series was a major setback for the detractors. The casual and carefree Australians were jolted when in the rain affected first Test the Indians matched the Australians in every department. At the time excuses were made that due to the absence of Lee, Mcgrath, Gillespie and Warne, the Australian team was a bit depleted. The loss in the second Test prompted the Australians to put the blame on the absence of the same members, even though Gillespie was playing. The inclusion of Lee and Gillespie in the third Test seemed to have won the Australians the third test. This time there were no excuses. But a near defeat in the fourth Test and the blame was again squarely on the same members.
Is the Australian team meade up of only these four members? Is it the sign of being a champion side if the absence of two or three members depletes the side? During their test series in India, the Australian side comprised of all the members they miss now, and yet they lost. Also, the Australians always complain about the heat when they come to India. They should not forget that Australia geographically is a desert
region and not a frigid zone. All this complaining always makes me wonder, whether this is really a side of champions or a side of excuse givers.