AUSTRALIAN cricket has a serious problem. The captain looks "gone" and the vice-captain is travelling even worse.
Australia's top order was a rudderless rabble at the WACA yesterday.
Ricky Ponting turns 36 this month and he appears to be morphing into Steve Waugh in the final few years of his Test career - jerky, nervous, uncertain.
That has never been his way.
Both Ponting and Michael Clarke played poor, timid, half-baked shots here today as Australia were rolled for 268 on a green deck.
It is sad to see Ponting in such decline. There is pressure on him at every turn.
If only Australia could hang in there and have one really powerful batting day instead of having to scramble all the time.
Australia picked four fast bowlers for a five-man pace attack, leaving out spinner Michael Beer.
Chairman Andrew Hilditch said week Beer was certain to play and there was an animated discussion between Ponting and the selectors before play.
The Ashes are on the line. Australia is becoming increasingly desperate.
In his past seven Tests, Clarke has made 269 runs at 22.42.
Hussey was typically stoic for his 61, pulling and driving with the confidence missing in most of his teammates.
Some free swinging from Mitchell Johnson (62) and Peter Siddle (35 not out) ensured Australia gave its bowlers something to work with.
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