My Australia First XI: Top Eleven Things to See in Australia by Daniel Scott

Now that it’s the cricket season down under once again, I’ve decided to have a little fun with the national religion and see how Australia’s tourist assets might line up in an ultimate eleven to beat the world. After all, with the fortunes of Ricky Ponting’s boys seemingly on the wane, we might need to start winning at something other than cricket.  

So, here is my world-beating team:

Opening the batting I would have those two strong, reliable assets the Great Barrier Reef and the steady-as-a-rock Uluru, which will always draw crowds for their colour and sheer physical presence.

Coming in at number three I would draft in an up and coming hero, the Kimberley region, set to be a major player for Australia (the movie) and to wow the world with its power and good looks.

At numbers four and five I have gone for more flair, with the evergreen Kakadu continuing to put in vibrant performances and the occasional lightning display and the dazzling Ningaloo Reef, challenging its more famous brother Barrier for an opening spot.

My chosen all-rounder is Tasmania, often spectacular but always unhurried and capable of punching way beyond its size.

As wicket keeper I’ve chosen the Daintree rainforest as it is hard to get through, full of spirit and has hidden depths. Useful defensive batsman too, always showing plenty of wood.

At number eight comes The Great Ocean Road, a medium pace bowler always capable of producing a turn and as a lower order batsman, a superb drive or two.

My choice of quick bowlers, always lively and pacey, is easy: Melbourne and Sydney, the former rarely seen without a soapie star, the latter usually wrapped around a supermodel.

Finally, my spinner, fond of its food and drink and sometimes seen as a little slow but capable of real surprises is South Australia.