Australia will rise from the Ashes

Oh, the horror, the horror! Nil desperandum! Australia cricket will react vigorously to its current predicament. In time it might thank England for exposing its weaknesses. But it will not panic. Although it is a long time ago, Australian teams have lost to the Poms before and somehow the nation has survived. Not that my friends are happy with the prospect. "Mate," one reported, "we needed someone to sort us out. But England? Did it have to be England?" As far as he was concerned they might as well serve liver for supper and be done with it.

Most Australians, though, have looked into the void and emerged intact. Apart from anything else the Ashes have not actually been lost yet. Indeed, Ricky Ponting's team have come within a whisker of taking a 3-0 lead. Yes, they have been outplayed. But not outfought. And few sides could afford to lose both members of a great opening attack without suffering some inconvenience.

In any case, Australian cricket is well placed to bounce back from any disappointment. England's cricketing collapse lasted 20 years and was caused by socio-economic factors such as the closing of the mines and the rejection by private schools of the stoic and classical tradition.

Not until English cricket started to seek fresh sources of cricketing talent could recovery begin. Belatedly, officials set out to strengthen domestic cricket and youth systems, and to make the most of the great gifts bestowed by Africa and Asia. Now the question is whether a country that tolerates - indeed, celebrates - loathsome tabloids, lager louts, "celebrityism", clever dicks and pork pies can sustain a strong sporting culture.

Bad coaching and unimpressive leadership reinforced the deterioration. Men of calibre were few and far between. Mike Brearley and Ken Barrington were not adequately replaced until the emergence in retirement of Mike Atherton and Angus Fraser.

Between times the game was compromised by charlatans. Not until a foreign coach was appointed were bad habits removed. Not until a hero was found was the revival complete. Thankfully, Andrew Flintoff has proved to be an asset in every way. Alas, his most obvious predecessor proved to be a mixed blessing.

Contrastingly, Australian cricket has always been more or less constant. Its upheavals have reflected commonplace struggles for power between management and worker. Australia has strong structures and a sense of service, epitomised by the contribution of Allan Border. Although the standing of the national team may fall, the system is resilient enough to continue producing a steady supply of battle-hardened players. Take a look around county cricket and see how the Australians are going.

Australian cricket has two binding forces, the baggy green cap and the strength of its club cricket. The cap coloured after the wattle has been an enduring and potent symbol. Few items of clothing have had as much effect upon opponents. No less important has been its effect upon Australian players.

Despite events at Trent Bridge, Australian clubs continue to prepare for another competitive season. My club have forwarded their training programme. Already junior teams are playing matches, with hundreds of children trying to take the next step on the ladder. Registrations have gone through the roof.

Australian cricket may falter, but it will not fall. Cricket is the national game. Australia will fight to the last. Promising signs could be detected in the fourth innings at Trent Bridge. If defeat comes, so be it. England have been the better side. Across the wide brown land a thousand coaches and a hundred thousand players would immediately put their minds to getting them back.