The Australian pace battery- version 3.0

When Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thompson called it quits, there was a new generation waiting to take over from them. But when that group of Glen McGrath, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Andy Bichel and Co decided to give their backs and wrists a rest, it seemed Australia, like the West Indies before them, would struggle to replicate a potent bowling unit.

The Windies, whose famed quartet of the 70′s and early 80′s backed up by a quality spinner like Lance Gibbs rode roughshod over batting line-ups across the world, struggled to stay on top of the cricketing world after that. Despite the likes of Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose and Ian Bishop coming through the ranks, they never were able to put together a consistent, winning XI.

However the Aussies, who took over from the mantle of cricketing powerhouses from the Caribbean Kings, have really managed the retirement of their stalwarts like McGrath and Warne extremely well. Their rankings did dip, their three-time hold of the 50-over World Cup did give way, T20 internationals remained a mystery for them for a while but amidst all this, they have still managed a very quick turnaround to throes of their past glory.

The triumph of the Sydney Sixers at the just concluded Champions League T20 showed just how fast Australian cricket, domestic or international, has bounced back from a change of guard. Led by veteran Brad Haddin, the team built on the strength of a young, versatile home-grown pace attack, decimated most oppositions en route the victory. Even the unavailability of a maverick game-changer like Shane Watson for most of the tournament did not slow down the Sixers.

Mitchell Starc in action for the Sydney Sixers

Left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, who swings the ball (though not as pronounced) at pace much like a young Wasim Akram, was sensational throughout. Whether with the new ball, at first change or brought back towards the death for a second spell, Starc always gave Haddin a reliable, wicket-taking option.

Pat Cummins was just as good most of the way, and his energy and sharp pace are attributes any captain would love to have in their team. Josh Hazelwood has come on a lot in the last couple of years and his economy rate of 4.70 in the tournament shows he has the hallmarks of developing into a top international bowler.

Even in other teams at the tournament, the Aussie quick contingent was very visible. Dirk Nannes played the final for the Highveld Lions, Mitchell Johnson at Mumbai Indians, Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus at the Chennai Super Kings all had prominent roles to play for their respective teams.

James Pattinson really came into his own earlier in the Aussie summer, decimating a strong Indian batting lineup in the four Test whitewash Down Under. His partner in crime during that series, Peter Siddle, has been a tremendous go-to guy for the national team whenever fit, especially in Test matches.

Though he’s been missing due to a series of injuries since right after the 2011 World Cup, John Hastings is another strong pacer with accomplished all-round abilities. While he went unused during the World Cup, he had a strong tour of Bangladesh immediately after before an injury picked up on the last match of the series ruled him out of that season’s IPL. But the almost-27-year-old from Penrith, New South Wales, who plies his Sheffield Shield cricket for Victoria, will surely be back strongly soon enough.

Clint McKay has been another bowler used in the limited overs matches and sure enough, to back up these eleven bowlers there are the other two all-rounders Shane Watson and Dan Christian. To complement things further, a fine collection of spinning all-rounders add further depth and options to the Kangaroos.

Peter Siddle of Australia running in to bowl

Nathan Lyon may be the best-bet for Test cricket but Nathan Hauritz may make a surprise run at his spot. Xavier Doherty is the other quality option while for the shorter versions, Steven Smith, Steve O’Keefe, Brad Hogg and Glenn Maxwell are all brilliant all-round options that lend versatility. Smith’s efforts with the bat and on the field were crucial for the Sixers’ run in the CL T20 and O’Keefe proved his worth with a brilliant spell in the final.

The upcoming series against South Africa will be enthralling to follow and it remains to be seen which of Starc and Hilfenhaus get the call up for the third pacer spot at the Gabba alongside Pattinson and Siddle.

On current form, Starc may be the way to go though he has gone through a tough ordeal during the CL T20. However, Hilfenhaus was extremely successful in the series against India, but could be a bit jaded after a period of back-to-back games.

Whoever gets the nod, the Proteas are in for a battering with the new ball. As for the 50-over World Cup in three years in Australia-New Zealand, who can bet against Michael Clarke, David Warner, Watson, Pattinson, Starc and company doing a Brazilian football team and walking away with the title for the fifth time?