Prodigy Patterson

Kurtis Patterson, now the youngest player to have scored a Sheffield Shield hundred, has been touted as future star. As with many young players who perform well, the praise is high, but can the young man step up and prove himself to be as good as people want him to be? I think the answer is yes.

At 18 years 206 days old, Patterson smashed 157 runs at the SCG. There is however more to the guy than this one innings. Patterson currently sits second in Sydney's first grade run scoring tally -- An impressive 432 runs, with an average of 61.71 -- ahead of many first-class quality players. The young prodigy also scored 123 in a youth test against the West Indies in April this year. In a similar vein to Pat Cummins, Patterson still has much improvement ahead of him. Being such a fantastic batsman at such a tender age only give him colossal room for improvement.

Patterson looks destined to crash onto the scene of international cricket within the next couple of years. As the Australian side looks to the future, it is paramount that this special talent is nurtured and coached into his full potential. I'm not going to call him the next Bradman, but hopefully he'll be the first truly special Patterson.

Patterson in a youth ODI against the West Indies

The prelude to another golden era

Pat Cummins bowls Jaques Kallis

Calls for players to be dropped are not unusual. What is less often looked at, is suitable replacements. The likes of Phillip Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson are under the most pressure in Australia's current side. Its not as easy as many think to select appropriate players who may replace them.

David Warner has just joined the Australian test squad ahead of the second test in Johannesburg. Warner is in superb form for New South Wales, making a host of scores of late. Highlights include, 86 and 148, both against South Australia, in recent Ryobi Cup and Sheffield Shield games. Many question Warner's temperament, technique and suitability for the longest form of the game and he was quickly pigeon holed as a limited overs specialist, unfairly in my opinion, early on in his career.

Warner has far better credentials for test cricket than many would give him credit for. During his pre-state cricketing days, Warner was a prolific run-scorer for Eastern Suburbs in the Sydney first grade competition. One of the highest quality club competitions in the world. Consistently scoring big runs in two-day cricket is a fantastic platform to develop into a first-class cricketer. Warner has also displayed his ability for New South Wales and Australia A, averaging a whisker under 60 across 16 first-class innings. His ability to dig-in and hold down at an end, is the most questioned aspect of Warner's game. 74 from 97 balls, to anchor the innings, in the second one-day international against South Africa, appears to have answered emphatically that he is capable of such.

Usman Khawaja looks certain to play his forth test on Thursday. Khawaja, the technically gifted and highly touted left-hander, has demonstrated his worth in his minimal outings for New South Wales this summer. In similar circumstances to Warner, Khawaja has one hundred in each competition so far this summer. Both against South Australia, at the Adelaide oval -- a happy hunting ground for the top order batsman -- where he also made a double hundred last season. His classy 116 put the selectors on alert, as he kicked off his domestic season in fantastic style. Since then he has looked at home on tour with Australia and says he is more than happy being the spare batsman in South Africa.

The down side to Khawaja, is his relatively unproven ability to score against top-quality attacks. While he has scored against solid bowling units at state level, he is yet to get significant runs on the board for Australia. I have no doubts however, that once his initial score is made, then the runs will flow smoothly. Khawaja would be ideally suited to a position opening Australian innings. His greatest assets are his technique and temperament, invaluable attributes at the pinnacle of the game. Khawaja could form an irresistible and dynamic duo at the top of the order with Warner. Complimenting and contrasting styles which would be able to adjust to all sorts of match situations, whether they be hammering home an advantage or softening the ball in tricky batting conditions.

Matthew Wade stands third in the wicket-keeping line, behind Tim Paine and the incumbent Brad Haddin. The 24 year-old Victorian has come on leaps and bounds over the past two seasons. Two centuries and an impressive 80 so far this year, have many taking notice. Wade is an aggressive wicketkeeper-batsman, in the now expected mold of Adam Gilchrist. While Wade's keeping has improved out of sight of late, it's certainly been his ability with the bat that is generating the most excitement. Wade averages 40-odd in both one-day and first-class cricket, solid enough, but these are both on the rise.

Tim Paine must not be forgotten. The right-handed Tasmanian has impressed for several seasons and in 2010 was awarded with a baggy green. A balanced 92 against the in-form Pakistani attack demonstrated his credentials for test cricket. Paine's worst attribute has been his knack for getting injured when he could be pushing for a place in the national side. Paine may find himself below Wade by the end of the season, as he currently watches from the pavilion, hampered by a broken finger. Paine however, is a superior glove-man to Wade, which will balance his batting. Look out for Paine to impress on return from surgery.

Trent Copeland is the most deserved winner of a baggy green in recent times. The right-arm medium pacer has earned his call up through the good old fashioned weight of wickets. 45 wickets for New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield last summer and 35 the year prior, proved too much to be ignored. Copeland is an accurate trundler, who earns his wickets by frustrating batsman into irrational shots. Many criticised his place in test cricket because of his relative lack of pace. However, on the flat, dusty surfaces, least suited to his style of bowling in Sri Lanka, the 1.95 mater tall pace-man, more than proved his worth going for a meager 2.10 runs an over. Unfortunately for Copeland, a place in the side eluded him during the first test in South Africa, a dire shame considering the pitch was ideally suited to him.

Finally, the much touted speedster, Patrick Cummins. The 18 year-old fast bowler looks destined for a baggy green in the near future. Cummins has played just three first-class matches and has only nine wickets at an average of 46.33. Many have questioned his ability to sustain his bowling efforts across five days of test-match cricket. Following a century scored by Marcus North last summer, the former test batsman described Cummins' 33 overs as 'the most sustained fast bowling' he had seen outside test cricket. A sure sign of his ability to handle the rigors that await. It would be best suited for Cummins however, to enjoy a season of shield cricket, where he can develop and learn his own game better to ensure he is ready for the top flight.

Despite the recent hardships faced by the Australian side, I would argue that the talent in waiting is fantastic. A great combination of raw youth and enthusiasm and experienced, seasoned, hard-working cricketers. They say the darkest part of the night is just before the dawn. So too I hope, the Australian cricket side's lowest of lows will only be the prelude to another golden era. The upcoming test series against New Zealand looks the ideal time to give these youngsters a crack at the big time. If only I were in charge of the team...

Can anyone truly say Australia will return to the top?

Michael Clarke has his head in his hands

This is the worst Australian cricket side in 25 years, according to Fox Sports writer, Malcolm Conn. And I'd certainly have to agree. It's easy to use a heavy one off defeat to call for changes, however this is no one off. The Ashes brought the Argus Review, now too, the 47 all out should bring the wholesale changes. Not changes for the sake of it. We need our best eleven out on the paddock and the way I see it, we're far from there.

Mitchell Johnson, a man described by captain/selector, Michael Clarke, as one of the first choice players and the leader of the attack, is on the brink of being completely discarded. Since Mitchell Johnson's superb display in the 2010 Perth Ashes test, a nine wicket haul, he has completely folded. Johnson has taken 13-702 since then at an average of 54.00. The leader of the attack?

Australia's spin bowling debacle will continue to rage on. Since Nathan Lyon's five for on debut, he has managed a meager three more wickets. His test bowling average lingers at a less than impressive 38.25. Steve O'Keefe, the New South Wales off spinner and newly appointed captain, is by far and away the most proven option in Australia, but he too waits his turn.

In the words of the late Peter Roebuck, potential never won a match, nor would it seem that Phil Hughes' potential will ever fulfill. Hughes has completed the turn around from star of tomorrow, to utter villain. The left hander has demonstrated a complete lack of temperament by hanging his bat out to dry, asking for a chance to edge behind. When Hughes isn't on a road, neither will runs be next to his name.

Ricky Ponting is done and dusted. His resilience and determination, once the nation's greatest asset, now sees one of its most accomplished players dragging his dignity into the dirt, along with his batting average. If Ponting truly has the best interest of the team at heart, then he must call it curtains, draw a line under himself and hang up the gloves. The aging warrior, undoubtedly a legend of the modern era, has demonstrated little to prove he is a better batsman than Marsh, Khawaja or any other equal man waiting in the ranks.

Shane Watson has shown great ability at the top of the order and his bowling has come on leaps and bounds of late. Despite this, his talents will be best suited in the true place of an all-rounder, at number six. The move down the order allows Watson more time to prepare himself for batting following time in the field.

Watson is one of the best attacking, domineering and imposing batsman in the world today. The likes of Khawaja, Marsh, Hussey and so forth will be best complimented in their ability to defend by a man who can take advantage of the old ball they have made. If Watson is able to stroll to the crease with 30 overs bowled, he can freely attack, with little swing and seam movement he can hammer an advantage into the ground and assert dominance on the scoreboard.

Shaun Marsh is considered the future of Australia's batting stocks

Brad Haddin truly put the nail in Australia's coffin. The last recognised Australian batsman threw his wicket -- and to a greater degree his dignity -- away with the most disgusting third ball duck seen since fourth grade last year. Haddin charged down the pitch to an on fire Morne Morkel and attempted to flat bat the back of a length ball he received over backward point, or square leg, maybe straight down the ground, nobody actually knows, least of all himself. Such blatant disregard for the value of your own test match wicket is completely unacceptable. Now is the time to blood Tim Paine who is Haddin's equal in batting and keeping ability, minus the warped mindset.

The sword must fall now or the downward spiral will not cease. It is fair to say that none of these individual players are solely reponsible for Australia's failings. Likewise, if things stay the way they are, can anyone truly say Australia will return to the top?



SportsCNNK's Aussie XI for the future.

1. Usman Khawaja
2. David Warner
3. Shaun Marsh
4. Michael Hussey
5. Michael Clarke (C)
6. Shane Watson (VC)
7. Tim Paine (WK)
8. Ryan Harris
9. Steve O'Keefe
10. Peter Siddle
11. Trent Copeland

Post your ideal XI in the comments box and add to the discussion on our facebook page.

Score runs or apply to join the commentary team

Ricky Ponting has expressed his desire to continue playing, stating that, "I don't see a finish line yet". But has the near 37 year old former captain got what it takes to maintain his place in a side, especially considering the young potential waiting in the ranks? Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Phillip Hughes and David Warner are all fighting for top order positions in the current Australian outfit. With Watson, Clarke and Hussey's positions safe, pressure is surely being applied on the plight of 'Punter'. The only way he can retain and secure his place is through weight of runs.

Ricky Ponting gets off the mark with a six

Ponting has scored one international century in his past 53 innings for Australia. There have been many calls for Ponting to announce his retirement or be dropped. However, the ageing batsman declares he feels he's batting not far off as well as ever. Is Ponting lying to us or is he truly hitting the ball just as well as he says? They say that the proof is in the pudding, and there's no doubt there are promising signs when he's in the middle, but recent scores of 2, 29, 11, 10 and 63 in South Africa, leave quite a bit to the imagination. Ponting was undoubtedly one of the most dominant batsman in a generation, yet the Ponting of old seems a far cry from the demoted, dethroned and diminutive man who continues to struggle on today.

I have always felt that a quality batsman should never be dropped for someone on a mere hot form streak. You cannot substitute pure class for some lucky hit and miss innings. I know Ponting is not what he once was, but I think there remains a place in the Australian side for him, no better demonstrated by than a hook shot for six to get Ponting off the mark in the first test against South Africa today. He must first turn around his below par form and restore some confidence in his ability to be consistent. If he fails to do this in South Africa with at least one decent innings, I fear I'll have to join the chorus calling for him to step down.

So why should Ponting remain in the side? And on a contrasting note, why should he be dropped? Firstly, He is the most experienced man in the Australian outfit. With much wisdom to share among many new faces who need advice. He has seen all conditions, all attacks, he knows how to construct an innings and has been on the brink of becoming an all-time great. Ponting has a sound technique and the ability to forcefully dissect a bowling attack in a matter of several overs. On the other hand, Ponting has averaged 33.00 this year, 36.95 in 2010 and 38.77 the year previously, in test cricket. Since the start of 2009, he has converted a mere two innings into centuries. Cricket is undoubtedly a game of statistics and the stats don't lie when they say Ponting is well below his best in recent times.

The ultimatum has surely been laid down. Score runs or apply to join the commentary team. Ponting must perform now or he won't have another chance. We could soon see the end of a superb, but disappointingly finished career. Hopefully however, we will see a resurgence, similar to that of Tendulkar's, where the former skipper can rekindle the fire within that took him to the pinnacle of test cricket. The ability surely lies within. But, as Greg Chappell once famously stated in reference to himself, he's not batting badly, he's just getting out.

Pakistani trio guilty of spot-fixing

The Pakistani spot-fixing controversy begins it's final stanza. The verdicts have been handed down and all that remains is the sentencing of the condemned. Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt will face jail terms for conspiracy to cheat at gambling and conspiracy to accept corrupt payments. But the questions have not all been answered. How many more matches were involved in predetermined outcomes? Were other players embroiled in the scam? And what exactly have we, the ICC and the players learnt as a result of the scandal?

It now appears so obvious, with the benefit of hindsight, that corruption has been rife in the ranks of the Pakistan cricket team and management. The results of many matches will now come under further scrutiny. In particular, the Sydney test between Australia and Pakistan, where it was apparent that the Pakistan batsman were 'throwing away' their wickets. Was this really the case? I think so. It looked to me like a complete disregard was displayed by the Pakistan batting line-up for the preservation of their own wickets, it seemed to me that they wanted to lose.

I think it's easy for us to condemn and declare the Pakistani's guilty. But I do believe there is more to it than meets the eye. These players were products of their environment. Among the most under-payed international cricketers on the planet, ignored by elusive IPL contracts and struggling to set up their financial security despite being some of the most talented cricketers on the planet. Fundamental problems still exist in the structured division of wealth among the test playing nations. Australia, India and England's top players, including IPL contracts, are capable of earning up to and above a million pounds a year. On the other hand, Pakistan players are payed a dismal sum, on average £22,500 annually on their central contracts. Bangladesh players earn a mere £12,000 a year.

Mohammad Amir, possibly the most promising young fast bowler seen this generation, was on a salary of around £1,500 per month. Similar to that of the average working class Britain. In the era of professional athletes, this truly is a disgrace. It's no wonder that a young man could be tempted so easily to go down the fateful path he was. Amir was awarded £4,000 as Pakistan's player of the series, pocket change for most of England's players, but worth more than two months work for his nation. Amir was trapped by the system in which he was developed. A system where in order to set himself up for life on the back of his trade, he would need to look elsewhere, outside the usual borders of his central PCB contract. Unfortunately he was misguided by his captain, the one Pakistan player a young Amir should look up to the most. This formed the base for his sin.

I find it highly unfair, that the system is such, where great international talents are unable to reach their full potential. Cut short by a mistake brought about by misuse of trust and the pressures of financial security. Do not get me wrong, the actions of Amir, Butt and Asif were the most dishonorable of sporting acts. However, the one lesson I think that must be taken away from this experience is not 'don't spot-fix'. It is that we must move in a way to address this dire issue. Spread the wealth of a fantastic game to all of those who provide such exhilarating entertainment. Pay these special talents what they're worth so that we can enjoy their exploits for as long as possible. Hopefully one day we can be blessed to see Amir striding towards the crease with the red rock in hand and fear in the eyes of the batsman.