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

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