145;Mission Difficult146; for Nasser Down Under

Under their astute ringmaster Steve Waugh 8212; still a master tactician even if the reflexes have not improved over 37 years 8212; the World Champions have shown, with their almost contemptuous dismissal of Waqar Younis8217; side, why they occupy No 1 position. England, under the command of 34-year-old Hussain 8212; born in Chennai, India, but brought up in England from the age of five 8212; and Zimbabwe-born coach Duncan Fletcher, look to be a tougher proposition than the side outclassed by Australia in England last year. A 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka and a 1-1 draw with India in the recent northern summer series confirmed the side8217;s improvement. But there is a world of difference between taking on two of the game8217;s medium powers on familiar home turf and locking horns with talent-laden Australia on rock-hard pitches under a blazing sun.

Over the years, Englishmen have passed rather too many summers of discontent 8216;Down Under.8217; In the almost 60 years since World War Two, their teams have succeeded a mere four times from 17 attempts.