James Lawton: No more English excuses

There comes a time when the prodding of the carcass of English cricket becomes as maudlin as it is non-productive. The thought was provoked partly by David Graveney, chairman of selectors, pouring out a few more bromides yesterday – and the coach Duncan Fletcher talking about the "inexperience" of his team.

What is by now surely self-evident is that the Australians are operating on an entirely different level – and have been doing so for many years now. They have a wonderful sports culture and climate and these are huge, intertwining assets, but the basis of their success runs a little deeper. It is born out of a willingness to go the distance, to learn from their errors and push on. Fifteen years ago they were in crisis too. But they faced up to their mistakes and, it is their cardinal rule, they did not make excuses.