The so-called "dead rubber syndrome" used to be a thing of the past for the Australian team. On the West Indies tour, it surfaced again, with Steve Waugh's team losing the final Test of the series (after also doing so in two of their previous three series) before Ponting's ODI side also caught the bug, conceding the final three games after the series had been emphatically secured 4-0.
However, to focus on the slight disappointments towards the end of a nine-month campaign would be churlish. Ponting's World Cup champions stretched their record winning streak to 21 before it was snapped by three losses, and Waugh's Test team comprehensively won the first three Tests before it took a record run chase to deny them a historic sweep.
Overall, the West Indies tour was another resounding Australian success, at the end of a season in which they also retained the Ashes and won the World Cup for the third time. Here's how the Australian players rated:
Steve Waugh: B
Justified his decision to continue with good form, but at this stage of career questions will persist until he retires. A series of personal milestones for Waugh: passed Border for most Tests, Gavaskar for second-most runs and Bradman for most hundreds by an Aussie, with a gritty ton in the second Test. Most satisfying statistic, however, will have been the 3-1 win.
Ricky Ponting: A+
After his double-ton in the second Test, Mark Waugh called him "a better all-round batsman than Tendulkar". His career-best form in the West Indies certainly made it clear that Ponting belongs in the highest class. Named player of the series despite missing the last Test with a virus, Ponting reaped the benefits of batting patiently, picking off 523 runs in six innings to help establish Australia's massive totals.
Adam Gilchrist: B+
Played as a member of the top six for the first time and cashed in on flat pitches and unpenetrative bowling like the rest. Made run-a-ball hundred in second Test total of 576/4 batting at five, showing there's no reason why he could not continue to play as a specialist bat. Provided consistently good starts in the ODIs.
Matthew Hayden: B
Continued his World Cup struggles initially -- while still making a hundred in the second innings at Trinidad -- before really finding his form again with epic 177 in fourth Test stand of 242 with Langer. Failed to carry that over to the ODIs, though, getting out to some lazy shots.
Justin Langer: A
Started brilliantly with a first Test double of 146 and 78 not out, got a couple of dodgy lbw decisions, then finished strongly with 111 in the aforementioned partnership with Hayden. Continued to thrive as one half of one of the all-time great opening pairs.
Darren Lehmann: B
A productive Test series for Lehmann, but still doubts remain. A series average of 58.83 was somewhat deceptive, as it was still the lowest of the top six, underlining just how easy it was to score runs. Unconvincing footwork against fast bowlers, and dismissals to rising deliveries playing with an angled bat in last Test, was a concern. A hundred to finish the ODIs.
Martin Love: D
Played fourth Test as Ponting's replacement at three and looked uncertain against spin, also dropping a catch off Banks on day four that could have won match. Needs more exposure before he can be truly assessed, but both he and Lehmann should be looking over their shoulders given the form and patent potential of Michael Clarke.
Jason Gillespie: A
Australia's premiere bowler for some time now, but only just starting to attract the plaudits. Outstanding effort and discipline throughout the Tests in what for many fast bowlers would have been soul-destroying conditions. Could have been player of series for 17 wickets at 20.76. His efforts helped turn draws into wins.
Brett Lee: B+
Provided the attack with a lethal edge West Indies lacked, his pace and swing with the ball new or old ensuring he was a wicket-taker (17, striker rate 51) despite the conditions. Took the new ball ahead of McGrath in two ODIs, possibly a sign of things to come in both forms.
Andy Bichel: B
Before the tour, if you had to nominate the bowler who would dismiss Lara seven times, you probably wouldn't have opted for Andy Bichel. Yet he it was. Had a valuable knack of breaking partnerships and taking crucial wickets throughout the series, while continuing to excel with the bat.
Glenn McGrath: C+
Missed first two Tests for personal reasons, then looked short on rhythm and pace when he arrived. Accuracy and economy ensured veteran spearhead still built pressure and contributed. Fortunate to escape punishment for now-infamous rant against Sarwan in fourth Test.
Stuart MacGill: B+
Improved as the series progressed, bowling with increasing control, and was man of the match in Barbados with nine-wicket haul. Got revenge on nemesis Lara in last Test, bowled dancing down the track, but could not bowl Australia to victory. Led series wicket-taking tally with 20.
Brad Hogg: C
Played first two Tests for moderate returns (memorably bowling Lara around his legs in Trinidad) in his return to Test cricket following World Cup success, before making way for McGrath. Should see more action when conditions suit, though only one wicket in ODIs made it a disappointing tour.
Andrew Symonds: B+
Carried over World Cup form with a consistent ODI series, continuing to play with maturity and selective power. Selectors will have difficult decision to make when Martyn returns.
Michael Clarke: A
Oozed confidence and looked completely at ease in his four games following debut earlier this year. After seeing no action in the Test series, Clarke showed it was worth the wait with innings of 75*, 55*, 39 and 1. Unlimited potential, but has to bide his time.
Michael Bevan: B-
Has his critics, frustrated at Bevan's inability to hit more boundaries late in the innings, but a series strike rate of 87 (best among the specialist batsmen) suggests he still knows what he's doing. Injured a groin muscle during fifth game and missed last two.
Jimmy Maher: D
Utility batsman who only gets a game through injuries or rotation. Failed to make the most of limited opportunities.
Ian Harvey: C+
ODI specialist whose reputation tends to exceed actual performances, though not in this case. Had best match of career in first ODI, scoring 48 not out off 30 and taking 3/37, but strangely wasn't picked for next two games and had little impact thereafter.
Nathan Hauritz: C-
Rated by good judges as a player of some promise, it's a concern that he seems to be regarded at this stage as an ODI specialist. Took two wickets in his first game of series but got hit around in next couple.
