Something Wicked this Way Comes: Can David Warner Bring Australia Back to the Summit of World Cricket?

It has taken just two days of Test cricket, but the harsh heat of the Dubai desert has already woken England from their smug winter hibernation. With a career-best seven-wicket haul, Saeed Ajmal – he of the irritating mannerisms, jerky bowling action and baffling pre-match boasts – has swiftly brought the best side in the world back down to the dusty earth.

Though adversity is not alien to Andrew Strauss’ charges – last evening Stuart Broad used his Twitter page to reminisce about the disheartening opening sessions of the ultimately glorious 2010/11 Ashes series – the task of retaining their pedestal at the top of Test cricket may prove to be much tougher than arriving there in the first place.

Of course, England will haul their way back into contention against Pakistan. They have too much class across every department not to. What is more, thanks to a relentless determination instilled across the squad, they will not ease their focus until they have. However, if they do take a peek at events on the other side of the world, a slightly queasy feeling might surface. Down under, something special is brewing out of the comprehensive Ashes mauling of twelve months ago.

Since then, there has been a 1-0 capture of the Warne-Muralitharan trophy on Sri Lankan soil before two 1-1 draws against South Africa and New Zealand. Unbeaten and consolidating, Australia’s wounds have healed.

Next Tuesday in Adelaide, they begin the final Test of their series against the once-great India. Having scorched to a 3-0 lead, Michael Clarke’s Baggy Greens have already sealed victory. A whitewash, mirroring England’s achievement last summer, would be a significant step towards resurgence.

While many have, justifiably, tempered the Aussies’ success with repeated condemnations of their opponents – the aging Indians, whose decreasing potency is cruelly epitomised by 38 year-old Sachin Tendulkar’s weary pursuit of his one-hundredth international hundred – there have been some performances of ominous excellence from the hosts.

Clarke’s unbeaten 329 at Sydney was truly imperious, his selfless declaration indicative that he is now a ruthless captain as well as a precocious batsman. That innings, Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey resurrected their own talents of old, putting their own illustrious stamps on a mammoth total of 659-4 with centuries. More encouragingly, it appears as though wildcard Mitchell Johnson will not have to be played ever again because of a battery of young, hungry and consistent bowlers.

Aside from the proven, gutsy skills of Peter Siddle, Ben Hilfenhaus and Ryan Harris, the seam department is positively brimming. Pat Cummins took 6-79 in the second innings of his debut against South Africa. James Pattinson, brother of England’s one-cap blunder Darren, has 25 wickets from his first four Tests. Days ago, Mitchell Starc got Tendulkar out. Of this trio, the first is just 18 years old while the others are 21. There is an embarrassment of riches for new coach Micky Arthur to deploy.

One period of play during the last week, though, has demonstrated such frightening potential even more starkly. Having dismissed India for just 161 over the first two and a half sessions at the WACA, the Australian openers, Ed Cowan and David Warner, had just 23 overs to bat before stumps. It was their cue to leave well, play straight and ensure that the second day of the Test dawned with ten host wickets in the hutch.

Fortunately for the crowd in attendance, no one told Warner the plan and the stocky New South Welshman plundered a hundred from just 69 balls. In a truly stunning innings full of flaying drives and muscular swipes through midwicket, one ball stood out. On 95, Warner had the temerity to carve Vinay Kumar miles over long on from outside off-stump. It was a shot that beggared belief, even in the age of Twenty20 Big Bash leagues. From the moment the ball left the bat, the Channel Nine commentary box was filled with hysterical cackles as Michael Slater, himself a swashbuckling opener of old, could not contain his delight.

With the second century of his five-day career, the fourth-fastest in history, 25 year-old Warner had brought his side into an unbeatable position in less than a session. During the grim old days of Antipodean dominance, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath made a heartbreaking habit of such performances. Tellingly, Warner was equally uncompromising when asked about his team’s approach to the final Test of the Australian summer.

“At the end of the day we want to try and beat the second team in the world four-nil," he said simply. "That's a massive thing for us at the moment. Our goal is to become number one again by the next Ashes in 2013. If we can keep working towards that, our goals will be achieved."

Currently prowling at fourth in the ICC Test rankings, Warner and his mates will be primed for a fierce showdown on these shores in eighteen months time, perhaps over the top position unless South Africa spoil the party. As is the case with every one of sport’s greatest rivalries, Australia and England seem to gravitate towards one another in search of a good scrap. It’s certainly a tasty prospect, and almost enough to take your mind of Dubai.