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ARE AUSTRALIA GOOD ENOUGH?
Question marks have once again been raised concerning Australia's participation at the highest level of international cricket. The debate has been lent new impetus after another humiliating week in which they were:
*Soundly beaten by England in a 20/20 match
*Caned by second divison county side Somerset
*Humbled by Bangladesh and England in 1 day internationals
Many cricket experts are now openly questioning the Aussies ability to compete at this level. "The Australian game will not benefit from being outclassed," admitted one senior cricket journalist, who wished to remain anonymous. "They need to play teams of their own level, like Kenya, Holland, or the Ascension Islands, in order to develop".
Australia captain Ricky Ponting was more bullish: "People say we're not good enough, but we expect England to be tough at home. We expected a Bangladesh backlash after they were thrashed by England. What do you expect - Bangladesh has 140 million people, Australia has 20 million, they've got far more talent at their disposal."
But this attitude may no longer wash with the ICC: "We are considering setting up a second division of international cricket," admitted a spokesman from their new tax-free headquarters. "This will have the likes of Kenya, Holland, Canada, Uganda and Namibia in it. This is probably a more realistic level for Australia to compete at the present time."
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