Michael Clarke led from the front with a century in the third Test this week to force a draw against Sri Lanka in Colombo and thereby win his first series as Australia's new Test captain. So Australia is now the proud owner of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy.

It capped a positive tour for Clarke and the Australian team, particularly in light of last summer's doom-and-gloom Ashes, and given there was always the possibility of an Argus review hangover. Indeed, the implications of Don Argus' critique of Australian cricket were felt yesterday when national coach Tim Nielsen resigned, saying he felt as though he'd been 'kicked in the guts' by the requirement that he had to re-apply for his job.

In Sri Lanka, Hussey has discovered another rich vein of form, easily scoring the most runs for the series at an average of 92.60, while Clarke would take great solace in his final Test hundred, breaking a hoodoo that has left him without a big knock for 24 innings.

The bowlers too, were all able to hang their heads high. Ryan Harris impressed with 11 wickets on some tough pitches for pace bowlers, as did Trent Copeland, who looks to be a good future talent. Nathan Lyon was also impressive on debut bagging some key wickets and should retain his spot in the Test team, even if he found succes hard to come by in the last two Tests. Although his batting didn't meet the high bar he has set himself, Shane Watson's bowling, given Clarke used him in a seamer's role, was all that could have been asked of him.

But there is still a way to go. Given Nielsen's resignation, Australia will probably be short one permanent coach come next month's away series against South Africa. While Nielsen has been seen as a convenient scapegoat for Australian cricket's recent failings, it is hard to ignore the fact that Australia still remains No.1 on the ICC's one-day rankings, a point he was at pains to make yesterday.

Sri Lanka, ranked below Australia, was always expected to struggle, even at home on some very suspect pitches. The true test will come in the next few months, with key personnel to be vetted and experience to be gained with a gruelling upcoming schedule.

After the tour of a barnstorming South Africa of two Twenty20 matches, three one-dayers and two Test matches spanning five weeks, the team will return home to face New Zealand. The summer's drawcards, India, follows in what looms as a very difficult series stretching all the way into March.

The Indians, having being belted in straight-sets by the No.1-ranked England, will no doubt be keen to make amends.

The tactics, gameplay and administration of cricket in the next six months will define the next few years. If smart steps are taken with the post-Argus reforms and re-alignment, then we can expect a bumpy, but gradually improving ride. Australia may not notch too many wins on the field, but hopefully some solace will be taken out of little victories. Indeed, they may well have to do in the meantime.