Perhaps the biggest contributory factor towards this lack of the more traditional (but often justified) arrogance that used to fuel the predictions of 5-0 whitewashes, is that the Aussies have a genuine respect for their visitors. They regard England as a strong team, with some outstanding individuals, and a much improved winning mentality.
England, for their part, have been putting in a number of impressive performances in preparation, but have crucially never started to believe the hype. They know this is going to be a tough series, and would never fall into the trap of dismissing the chances of their illustrious hosts...regardless of form, Australia in Australia will never be an easy task. It certainly seems poised to be an intriguing Summer of cricket, with both sides wary of each other but in belief of their own merits.
What this shows, and where we turn the conversation on to football, is that the way you perceive your opponent can define your chances before a ball is even kicked.
My beloved Sunday League team AFC Hamsey (miss you lads, keep the wins coming, Tumanzi) provided a perfect case study in this, week after week. Within the first 5 minutes of getting together, you could see whether the team was 'up for' the game or not - and invariably this came down to who we would be up against. The stronger teams and more important games against close rivals would usually inspire focus, determination and good performances. Turning up to face a team that had been beaten week in week out and you could see we would not take it seriously - invariably the result would be sloppy, sub-par and lazy football. Often that would suffice, but that's not the point - it's how you approach a game that counts.
One result in particular this weekend seemed to provide compelling evidence that this approach is not specific to Sunday League football - or ancient cricketing rivalry for that matter.
Arsenal's players should all be grounded.
To let slip a 2-0 half time lead is poor. To give it up at home is even worse. To take nothing from the game should be impossible. To do it against your biggest rivals, whilst protecting a 17 year unbeaten record - go to your room young man, we are both VERY disappointed in you.
I feel sure that this result would not have happened if Arsenal were facing a different opponent. From their part, they would have known that they had contained Spurs quite comfortably, and would have remembered the home win last season in which Tottenham crumbled after conceding. It is difficult to shake off the feeling that Arsenal felt the job was done and there was no danger any more - they regarded Spurs with an element of contempt and a lack of respect that was in some ways the cause for their downfall.
They should have known that this is Tottenham's biggest away trip of every season, and they were bound to come flying out of the blocks for the second half. Spurs these days are made of higher quality stuff than in years gone by, and should never be dismissed or written off when they possess players like Bale, Modric and the duck to water Van der Vaart.
Of course, I'm not overlooking the fact that the sloppy defending was the main reason that Arsenal lost this match and all that went with it - but I think they need to take their opponents more seriously. Defeats at home to West Brom and Newcastle suggest that the Gunners have the same disease as AFC Hamsey, and as long as they fail to enter every game with the discipline and respect required, they will never overtake Chelsea and United and claim a fourth Premier League title.
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If you're planning on staying up to watch the Brisbane test, eyes peeled on Saturday for a Southampton shirt in the crowd. Potential SubPlease Cricket Special next week with all the details of my Ashes baptism...
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