Selectors can't afford any more slip-ups

Australia have lost three of their past five Test series. Amid all the backslapping, it is a point worth pondering. Ricky Ponting's side has slipped to fourth place in the rankings. Along the way, captain and selectors have blundered, with the wrong teams chosen, pitches misread and puzzling tactics pursued at critical moments. Admittedly, it has not all been bad. Australia performed admirably throughout a long stint overseas. The one-day side surpassed itself. But Test cricket is the real deal, and in that arena Australia have fallen back. All the more reason to keep a close eye on the side appearing next week at the Gabba.

Selectors must heed the lessons of Ashes defeat

AUSTRALIA has lost three of its past five Test series. Amid all the backslapping it is a point worth pondering. Ricky Ponting's side has slipped to fourth in the rankings. Along the way captain and selectors have blundered, with the wrong teams chosen, pitches misread and puzzling tactics pursued at critical moments. Admittedly it has not all been bad. Australia performed admirably throughout a long stint overseas. The ODI side surpassed itself. But Test cricket is the real deal and in that arena Australian has fallen back. All the more reason to keep a close eye on the side appearing next week at the Gabba.