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World Cup focus piles pressure on Gilly

Source: ABC Sport - January 16, 2006

Ricky Ponting's pre-series declaration that all Australian one-day cricket is now geared towards the 2007 World Cup was accurate and predictable, but has created a rod for his and the selectors' backs.

Ponting's statement effectively ends the analysis of success or otherwise in a collective sense and ushers in a Caribbean countdown where the examination of the individual is as important as the form of the whole.

Two matches into the triangular series, it is vice-captain Adam Gilchrist who is the first to be questioned in this context.

Considering Gilchrist's worldwide impact during his brilliant career in coloured clothing it is almost folly to suggest his time in the Australian one-day team is through.

But now, with the Australian captain stating the future is as important as the present, the questions raised over Gilchrist's future in the 50-over game are appropriate.

Gilchrist's failures in the Chappell-Hadlee matches and his scores of 13 and nought to start this series seem more relevant than the magnificent centuries against England at The Oval and in the lopsided Super Series.

But limited overs cricket changes quickly and has a history of catching up even more rapidly with 34-year-olds who carry a massive workload in both forms of the game.

Ensuring even more acid is applied to the keeper-batsman is the fact the man next in line is of similar precocious ability.

Brad Haddin was identified as a wonderful ball striker when he exploded onto the scene at the now defunct Canberra Comets and has become much more than just a powerful hitter.

Haddin has shown tremendous leadership in his regular stints as captain of New South Wales and the responsibility has come at a time when he has shown increased maturity with the bat while retaining his power.

Add some long hours with Steve Rixon, resulting in a noticeable improvement in his glovework, and Haddin's claims for a role in 2007 continues to improve.

Who will provide Australia with better service in the West Indies? No-one knows as yet, but that is the question Trevor Hohns and his panel is assessing.

The keeper-batsman debate is only in its early stages but shows why the 'Destination West Indies' proclamation increases the pressure on everyone involved in preparing Australia's World Cup defence.

To take a recent example in Australian sport, the now deposed Wallabies coach Eddie Jones was endlessly speaking about a similar battle in the lead-up to the last rugby World Cup.

To paraphrase Jones - "We need to make sure we are the best prepared we can possibly be for the World Cup but at the same time recognise the responsibilities of performing our best every time we run out in the field."

Ponting and chairman of selectors Hohns certainly know where Jones was coming from.

- QUENTIN HULL