Expert says era of Australian domination is over

Sydney, Mar 8 (UNI) After losing to India in the recently concluded CB-series, expert says the glorious days of Australian cricket are over.

With the retirement of wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, and the departure of the paramount players Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath last year, there is a sense the era of Australian domination is over, they said.

One commentator noted that Australians, with an average age of 33, were confronted and affronted by a younger version of themselves in Mahendra Singh Dhoni's confident Indian team.

''If Ricky Ponting had ever wondered what tomorrow would look like, now he knows. It is staring Australian cricket, and its leader, in the face. The era of domination that it seemed might never end is over. The future has arrived,'' The Age's Tim Lane said.

''Australia will continue to have the measure of most. The days are gone, though, of endless, predictable crushings of mismatched opponents,'' he added.

The Sydney Morning Herald's Peter Roebuck said Team India has released a new sort of cricketers.

''Suddenly, India seemed to represent the future, Australia the past. Australia were confronted and affronted by a younger version of themselves.

''Australia have always had a strong and democratic cricketing culture. India used to depend on players steeped in the ethics and traditions of the game. Not any more.'' The Australian newspaper also attacked Andrew Symonds urging him to curb his ''big mouth''.

''Symonds' big mouth either on the field or in print has been a significant cause of grief and embarrassment for Australian cricket in recent months,'' it said.

The newspaper added ''It would be a great relief to everyone if he let his at times spectacular batting and fielding do the talking.'' UNI XC CS LPB DS1211