It was hard to imagine that a series of the magnitude of Australia's Ashes loss in 2005 being matched for drama, and competitiveness. Alas, last summer's 5-0 thrashing by Australia of England was a huge needle to an equally huge
balloon. In my mind, this year's 2  test series against Sri Lanka and a 4 match gangbuster against India potentially shape up as tougher tests for Australia than England was last year.

Let's take Sri Lanka. With a test ranking of 3, this team is steadily improving its form away from home. Expect Murali to perform better in a country where he has notoriously underperformed. Let's hope that  the umpires leave him alone, but you can be assured that  a vocal home crowd will continue to taunt him, a backhanded compliment I say.With Lasith Malinga providing side slinging thunderbolts, Chaminda Vaas with his unerring line and length, they have the makings of a world class attack perhaps short of one genuine fast bowler. A matured batting lineup led by Jayawardene will make it tough work for Ponting's men to penetrate.

What India must sort out is their top order batting. India's opening partnership has been unstable with a revolving door of talent not really been given a chance to settle. As well, Virender Sehwag's role must be identified early on, rather than his movement up and down the order witnessed last year when Sri Lanka paid toured New Zealand.

And finally, what of Australia? A demolition of England, a similarly supreme display in West Indies as they three-peated as World Champions. Their first season in almost 16 without at least the names of Warne and McGrath on a teamsheet. It will be a stern test, perhaps the making of Ricky Ponting as a truly great Aussie captain. But, it is not all bad news, when you consider Stuart Clark will step in, a proven performer for two seasons now and Stuart Macgill who will take Warne's place.  For Macgill who has amassed two wickets short of 200 at a strike rate of 51.57, from 40 matches, it is an impressive international resume. Interest will be aplenty when he becomes sole custodian as wrist spinner for Australia. Australia will also have an opportunity to unleash two tearaways in Lee and Tait. What an enticing prospect that would be on bouncy WACA wicket or Gabba greentop to see two bowlers with an ability to deliver thunderbolts at over 150 km/h. A new opening partnership will be forged but expect Australia to be tough, with hopes that they are as mentally prepared for this year's campaign as they were last year.

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