The Usual Champs

Australia win another multi-nation one-day tournament.

What else is new?

Let’s face it. If it weren’t for the surprises thrown up by England’s form in its first two matches, this tournament would have probably seen a more conventional semifinal lineup. Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa. And the end result would have been the same – Australia winning the Trophy.

This was not a completely dominating performance by the Aussies. They survived a close match against Pakistan – two fewer runs would have knocked them out of the tournament. They had a scare against the West Indies and they had one against the Kiwis today at the outset of their innings. But the final results are what matters and Australia do what it takes to get them.

Australia’s dominance – 3 consecutive World Cups and 2 consecutive Champions Trophies – is amazing because all it takes is one loss in the knockout rounds (semis and finals). It means that they have a 10-0 record in such matches. Wonder when the Law of Averages will catch up to them.

While Ponting has tarnished his Test legacy with his two Ashes losses, these victories mean that he has no rival in the ODI captaincy arena. And if as everyone predicts ODIs will go out of business, his record will stay on for ever.

So that’s it. Australia win again. And everyone else can start looking at 2011.