South Africa were playing the 5th and final ODI without Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis. They still scythed through the suspect Australian top order  after posting 288, taking the series 4-1.

Following the defeat India inflicted on Australia in the tri-series last season, and series defeats to both India and South Africa in Tests, the Australians have plumetted to number 3 behind the two leading cricket nations in the minds of most fans, regardless of what bogus ICC rankings would have you believe.

The task for Australia is to claw back from a deepening hole following the retirement of some of their best players. Ponting has proven to be the shallow leader he always promised to be, and the question must be asked whether he should continue to lead the team or simply play his part as batsman.

Ponting's bizarre continuing support of abusive alcoholic Symonds should place a huge question mark on his moral benchmark as leader. Aside from the losses to which he has led the team, and his own failures at crucial points in the match, surely his failings as a captain will now be questioned.

Even IPL would do well to revise downwards the high salaries being given to Australian players at a time when they have rarely looked worse, on field and off.

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