The Aussie Era is finally over

In the world of cricket aficionados, there exists a taste for the banter, the jokes and the on-field insults players often trade with each other. And thinking of the just-concluded Ashes series and what the Aussie defeat possibly portends for the cricketing world, one such verbal joust comes to mind.

An Australian fast bowler, rather known for his aggressive espousal of the questionable art of sledging, once got irritated after he repeatedly beat the bat of an Englishman. Not finding that edge for some time, he sauntered down the pitch and informed the batsman: ���You can���t (expletive) bat.��� The English chap promptly smashed the next ball for a four, and retorted: ���Well, we make a fine pair. I can���t (expletive) bat and you can���t (expletive) bowl.���

Fairly democratic, one can surmise. And, well, it seems cricket just got a bit more even with the debate over whether the Aussies have declined as a team coming to an end. They most certainly have. And everyone is the better for it. Surely, great teams that spelt inevitable doom for the opposition did mean a kind of charm. Despite defeat, no one could ever have grudged a West Indian team like the one under Clive Lloyd its victories.

Greatness demands a certain respect. Even the Aussies, under Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh and, partly, under Ricky Ponting ��� while being arguably lesser than the West Indians at their best ��� earned grudging respect. The grudging bit was more to do with their bad manners and being sore losers. But respect it was, nonetheless.

Now, however, with this Ashes loss, one can finally and truly aver that the Aussie era is over. And we are now entering a far more ���democratic��� age where four or five teams at the top can now be seen to be competing at an equal level. That simply means things will be more open and competitive.

There are also, conversely, very few of the truly great players left across the board. Players who could, say, consistently win games purely on sheer individual brilliance. Cricket, in short, will be even more a game of glorious uncertainties. In a much flatter world.