Australia may not win back the Ashes this winter, but at least they can console themselves with the fact that they have beaten England in the 'Who can have the biggest squad for the Brisbane Test' competition.
That can be the only sane conclusion that can be drawn from the confused announcement of a 17 man squad for the 1st Test next Thursday. By comparison England have named a 16 man squad for the entire series and warm-up matches.
So, we have a spinner with a first class average of 48 - Xavier Doherty, a fast bowler with dodgy knees - Ryan Harris, two uncapped batsmen in Callum Ferguson and Usman Khawaja and one shot batsman in Michael Hussey. Ricky Ponting certainly didn't look amused.
Rumours that Simon Cowell has been engaged to launch a TV series over the next few days where the public will vote who they want to leave the squad were dismissed by Cricket Australia's Marketing Department, as were suggestions that the squad would have been 20 strong but for injuries to Dame Edna, Kylie Minogue and Peter Garrett.
Where next?
All-time Australian Ashes XI: The Openers, Number 3, 4 and 5, All-rounder, Wicketkeeper, Fast bowlers, Spin Kings
All-time England Ashes XI: The Openers, Number 3, 4 and 5, All-rounder, Wicketkeeper, Fast bowlers, Spin King
Comments