It would be stating the obvious if one were to say Australia beat the Netherlands emphatically. But for the teams who may be facing Australia in the next round, the signs are ominous. The Australian top-order is in cracking form and now Brad Hodge also has a one-day international century to his name. Michael Clarke has struck form as have Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden.

Clarke was in fact unlucky to miss out on a hundred against the Dutch. But Hodge had no such problems. At one point, the two were matching each other shot for shot until Hodge decided to explode! And the Dutch could do nothing but watch. Ricky Ponting for once scored only 23 and although the Dutch had kept the Aussie run rate to below six for almost 30 overs, once the sixes started raining, it was carnage!

The Australian bowling, which has suffered a fair bit over the last two months was steady but against better oppositions, they may just struggle. Even though they bowled out the Netherlands for 126, they conceded a run rate of almost 5. Shaun Tait remains erratic and Brad Hogg, despite figures of 4/27 gave away runs at 5.58 per over. A more experienced batting line-up could have made Australia sweat.

Glenn McGrath became only the second bowler in the history of World Cups to take 50 wickets and is now just 5 shy of Wasim Akram’s record of 55. Surely a matter of time now that Australia has at least 8 more matches in the World Cup. For Australia, the records are just piling up under their relentless onslaught. And despite some of the attention wearing off from their win due to tragic off-field events, they will continue to be focussed as ever.

For all those who were ready to write off Australia, the first two matches have been an eye-opener. Their next match against South Africa promises to be an absolute belter with both teams in superb form and two points up for grabs in the Super Eight stage. It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite at this stage and the winner of this match could well go on to become champion.

---

Man of the Match, Brad Hodge
On performing consistently for Australia
"I'm really enjoying playing cricket at the moment," - "It's something I've enjoyed the whole summer and there's not a great deal more I can do personally.

On playing in the biggest tournament of cricket
It's a simple recipe at the moment, I feel I'm playing as good as I can ever play, it's just an enjoyable time for me

On scoring his maiden century
"It's a great personal milestone, especially after getting a couple of 90s."

Australia captain, Ricky Ponting
On Brad Hodge's power pack play
"He bowled some handy overs against Scotland as well and he gets around the field very well. He's a very complete one-day player. Right at the moment he's putting a great case forward to stay in the team."

On Hodge's chances over Symonds for the final group game
"When Symo is 100 percent right and ready to come back it's going to be a really tough decision that has to be made,"

---