It’s business as usual for Aussie bowling machine

Not for the first time in this world cup: The maximum runs they’ve conceded is 246, the minimum 45. Most performances on tracks said to be batsman-friendly.

Michael holding, who knows a thing or two about mean machines, calls the Aussie bowlers ‘a brutally efficient attack with a touch of the spectacular’. He says while McGrath, Andy Bichel and Ian Harvey are the men who don’t give an inch, Lee lends the flamboyance.

And, if that wasn’t enough, they have an amazing variety of spin: left-arm leggie, left-arm orthodox and even off-spin. Between Brad Hogg, Darren Lehmann and Andrew Symonds, Ricky Ponting has a man for every occasion.

When Jason Gillespie went home injured, the responsibility of being the strike bowler fell to Brett Lee, who has now taken 17 wickets in the tournament.

With the new ball in his hand, Lee’s first spell has often rocked the opposition. Bowling at speeds in the range of 150 and with movement to match, Lee has often started the slides which have ensured that no team has been able to cross the 250-run mark.

Backing him up is the one-man steady pace department of Glenn McGrath; he’s been dead-accurate for years now and the world cup has been no different. He’s now taken 18 wickets in this tournament at an average of about 17 runs.

Then comes the second line of attack: Andy Bichel and Ian Harvey. They say Bichel plays every game for Australia as if it was his last. A lack of obvious skills is compensated by an overdose of commitment. He and Harvey hit the deck keeping the ball around the off; the slight movement generated finds an edge and the team behind the wickets does the rest.

Understated and underrated is the spin department; in the absence of Shane Warne it’s not lethal, but competent. Brad Hogg and Darren Lehmann have together accounted for 13 wickets so far as they take care of the middle overs.

Part of the sucess stems from the batsman’s feeling of release from the relentless pace. As he eases up, lets down his guard, Hogg moves in with his loops and turns.

So if the Aussies have an Achilles heel, it’s their batting. Now that’s a scary thought.