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Aussies keep on ticking
The Australian Cricket machine has ticked on to reach the semi final of the ICC Champions Trophy. Their game is on a much higher plain than any other team at present. It is the continuous search for excellence that makes them an outfit that performs at their best continuously. Pride in performance is what keeps them ticking. Never settle for second best is the Australian approach to any sport.

They also back each other, support each other, even though they may be competing for the same spot in the team. The competition is in performing to the best ability. Perform on the field and the rest will take care of itself. There are many observers who feel that the team is now ageing. Many of the experienced players certainly are getting older and reaching the autumn of their careers.

There are two known factors about Australian cricket and selections. The players themselves do not want to hang around when they feel their fitness and form is starting to dwindle. They prefer to go on their own than being asked to go. The honourable way out. Of course they have a life after cricket and that helps.

The other factor is that the selectors will axe a player without hesitation should they feel it necessary. No cricketer is above the game and that is always maintained. The game and the team are above the individual. All this is part of the way of life for every Australian cricketer. They know it, they accept it and so the game stays healthy.

As teams keep tumbling out of contention in this tournament in progress, the Aussies have brushed aside USA (as expected) and New Zealand. The "Black Caps" who have been in England most of this summer should have been well accustomed to the conditions. Such factors are trivial to the Aussies. They take on the opponent setting their sights on demolishing them on the day.

This means no disrespect. It merely means they are confident in their own ability. The home work is, always. They constantly remind themselves that should you fail to prepare, then be prepared to fail. In outplaying the New Zealanders, Ricky Ponting's team experienced some hiccups. To their credit they never let the game slip too far away.

By their high standard they would have been disappointed for having New Zealand let off the hook to reach 198, after having been 89 for 7 wickets. Perhaps Ponting delayed going for the kill. He kept his part time all round spinners Lehman and Symonds for too long. He also did not place many attacking fielders around the bat and the bottom half 'Black Caps' made the most of it. Then they lost two wickets early but Hayden, Martyn and Symonds, saw them to victory. Martyn played the match tilting innings and then Symonds powered his team to victory.

It was a game that would have given the Aussies the opportunity to taste blood. Now whoever opposes them will have to play very good cricket. They are ticking and will be hard to stop.

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