Opportunity knocks

I reckon the Johnnie Walker Super Series is going to be an intoxicating event. (Sorry!)

Not only is it a showcase for the world’s premier players, it is also an opportunity for arguably…. yes, I said arguably…. the world’s best team to get back on the horse.

Australian cricket is fragile at the moment. That has been further demonstrated by the reaction of the Australian selectors to banish some seasoned performers to the lower ranks.

I guess the demotion of a couple of non-performing seamers is understandable and would have been expected by teammates.

But the sacking of Damien Martyn would have raised a few eyebrows and got chins wagging.

Through his sheer weight of runs in 2004, he was instrumental in winning both series against Sri Lanka and India. Furthermore, in his last 15 matches, which included his lean tour in England, he has scored 1072 runs at an average of 51.04 including four centuries. Hardly numbers to expect the axe. He has said as much.

That sole omission has deflated the Australian cricket team bubble even further. The players are now looking over their shoulders, knowing they could face the same fate should they not deliver.

During the three one-day games and the six-day Test you will not see the same swagger from the boys from Down Under that has been such a part of their make-up over the invincible years.

Normally with such a high profile home and away summer series coming up, the Australians would be collectively targeting key South African personnel to gain early advantage points.

Low confidence levels will ensure their attitude is different. A never before seen softer underbelly may be exposed.

This is where the likes of Smith, Kallis, Pollock, Ntini and Boucher can score some early round points.

These players will be extremely influential throughout the summer and should they be able to strap the odd scalp to their belt in October, they can effect some mental bruising. Mental bruising that might last a few months.

Should that happen, further Australian careers might be in Ashes.