The Australian Juggernaut

Like Mark Gertler's terrifying representation of the headlong dash to destruction in World War I (see right) the Australian merry-go-round keeps turning ever faster with no opponent able to stop it before being cast off by the mad horses (for which read Tait, McGrath, Hayden, Ponting etc).

Contemplating this Australian team shares many characteristics with contemplating great art like Gertler's painting. You admire the skill, the discipline, the execution, the self-awareness, the sheer bloody other-worldliness of the talent before you.

But if I want to look at great art, I'll visit a gallery. Great competition is what I want from my sport, and Australia have had no competition in this World Cup - the sport is poor, even if we admire its leading team. [The Tooting Trumpet]