[Aliantha]

After a disastrous start to the season for Australia in India where we copped a flogging at the hands of the bowlers and batsmen equally, we've managed to redeem ourselves slightly with a win over NZ in the first test in Brisbane.

Andrew Symonds is in trouble again after a minor scuffle at a well known pub in Brisbane, The Normanby. Fortunately for Roy, the pub is standing behind him on this one and suggesting that the patron was an overzealous fan.

I have to wonder though, if there's not an ulterior motive for the Normanby considering that they're on notice by the liquor licensing board themselves after a dreadful year filled with fighting and underage drinking offences.

So, what's in store for Australian cricket? Will Ponting be able to marshal his considerably younger and less experienced troops to a victorious season, or are the heydays of Australian cricket on the decline?