‘Mission Difficult’ for Nasser Down Under

If Hussain’s squad was apprehensive about its assignment when the touring party was announced a month ago, they will be even more sharply aware of the magnitude of their challenge after Australia’s stunning form in the recent Tests against Pakistan.

Under their astute ringmaster Steve Waugh — still a master tactician even if the reflexes have not improved over 37 years — the World Champions have shown, with their almost contemptuous dismissal of Waqar Younis’ side, why they occupy No 1 position. England, under the command of 34-year-old Hussain — born in Chennai, India, but brought up in England from the age of five — 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 side’s improvement. But there is a world of difference between taking on two of the game’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 ‘Down Under.’ In the almost 60 years since World War Two, their teams have succeeded a mere four times from 17 attempts.