Australia there for the taking

While it is known that Australia are not the world-dominant force they once were, England's cricketers and supporters might be surprised - and relieved - to see just how mortal their Ashes rivals are, writes Scyld Berry in the Sunday Telegraph.

But the only lingering signs of greatness are to be seen in the 35 year-old Ricky Ponting, and then in the occasional innings amid his diminishing returns, and in the wicket-taking balls of Mitchell Johnson, who can find one for the best batsman amid his wavering accuracy.

Now that Australia's batsmen are no longer scoring hundreds, in the last two years their side have posted 500 only twice.

Darren Berry, writing in the Sunday Age, also sees some significant cracks that need attention before the 2010-11 Ashes.