The end of Australian dominance in cricket??

Alright Sean here's the news!!!

Today begins the last Test of the 5-Test Ashes, in which England lead 2 Tests to 1. After the 1st Test, all the newspapers, including the English tabloids, were panning the English team, telling them they shouldn't even bother turning up to matches.

Yet now, 3 more Tests later, Cricket has taken the focal point in England, with even Sven's nonsensical strategical experiments taking a back seat to Michael Vaughan and his merry men. Cricket has indeed, as the tabloids say, become the new football.

And why is that? Well, because after almost 18 years, England finally get a real sniff at bringing back home the Trophy, or rather the Ashes. The rivalry is intense, and understandably there's no love lost between the two, leading to many a funny exchange on the field, referred to in cricket as sledging.

Just imagine, as an English batsman, you arrive on the crease to bat, and the wicketkeeper behind you welcomes you with the following greeting, "So how's your wife, and my kids?"....... Priceless, absolutely priceless...

The main problem facing Australia's squad, imho, is that of age. Out of the 11 regular players, only 2 are actually under 30. The issue has always been that this group has just been too good in the past, and that most of the younger prospects have fallen short. As such, the lack of replacements is glaring. When Glenn McGrath was declared unfit for one of the Tests, Australia's lack of depth in bowling was alarmingly evident, as England racked up the runs with ease.

Whatever happens in the next five days, I would have to agree that whether Australia win or lose, their dominance is effectively over. Australia needs a solid succession plan after McGrath and Warne, and at this point in time, I don't see it.

As for my predictions, yes!!!!! Australia will still win and retain the Ashes!!! (Yes, Rudy, I may be a scouser, but when it comes to cricket, it's Australia, all the way!!!)