Just when you think 'at least the stats are on your side'

You know I'm a geek right. Well if you didn't, then please forgive me for the following. I was having a quick look at the health of our top order this evening and found that the top 5 in our unit at the mo. are in extremely good nick.

Strauss 44.64 33 Tests
Cook 49.53 11 Tests
Bell 46.57 20 Tests
Collingwood 47.64 17 Tests
KP 51.75 20 Tests

Granted they've played only a few tests so far, but despite that when was the last time we had a top order that all averged 45 and above. I can almost guaratee you that it's never happened and yes I know I'm not taking account of covered pitches, bigger bats, shorter boundaries, less dangerous trousers etc etc. yawn. My brother called the easy batting argument right the other day. He said 'I don't know about batsmen having a field day at the moment, but the stattos definitely are' (made me laugh)

Then I looked at the Aussies:

Langer 45.93 102 Tests
Hayden 52.83 86 Tests
Ponting 60.98 107 Tests
Martyn 47.20 67 Tests
Hussey 77.41 13 Tests

Bollocks.

By the way if Punter ends his career with that average (and there seems no reason why he won't seeing as he appears to be getting better with each match he plays), he'll be second on the all time list behind the Don (of course).

P.S. I'm ignoring Hussey that'll come down - at least i bloody hope it does.