If we shut our eyes, put our fingers in our ears, and hum loudly to ourselves, the India series eventually will go away. Immediately, there is no other viable tactic. In Indian conditions, Ponting-less, Hussey-less Australia is hopelessly outclassed. Any claim to the contrary can only be, well (say it softly), spin.

While our eyes are closed, and unspeakable indignities pile up, we must think of England. And England, and England. Beyond India, and after a little busking in the IPL, Australia faces 10 Tests in a row against an England team with its act comparatively together. Here's a doomsday scenario, presently plausible: Australia heads into Boxing Day this year trailing England 8-0.

James Pattinson is well set to play in the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. Credit:Reuters

It won't happen. For one thing, at least one of the Tests in England will be rain-affected, and probably the Gabba Test at the start of next summer, too (blessed be climate change). Besides, Australia cannot be so feeble in England as it hitherto has been in India. But the Indian losses must be cut immediately, and the planning begin now. Here's a positive spin: of the Hyderabad XI, only Michael Clarke and James Pattinson are guaranteed to play in the first Test at Trent Bridge, so the selectors have plenty of scope.

Firstly, Australia must purge itself of its all-rounder obsession. Too often, it seems to think it is picking two players in one, only to find it has neither. Glenn Maxwell, at this stage in his career, is a mistake. Moreover, it is a mistake that could have been made and learnt from in the last Test of last summer, against already beaten Sri Lanka.