Bear with me, because this first section will be as stodgy as an England opening batsman on a Headingley greentop in the 1980s.

The Argus Report, 'Section 2.2.2.1. Improve selection and talent management processes,' reads as follows:

"As discussed in earlier sections, we need to manage our talent pool more actively and transparently. Key actions suggested include:

• Restructuring the National Selection Panel

• Clarifying the national selection strategy and criteria

• Increasing the proactivity of our communication to players, especially Players of National Interest, and managing their development against agreed individual plans for skills, physiology and psychology

• Considering a loan system and other mechanisms to address the natural geographic imbalance of talent

Consideration should also be given to seconding players to the English County leagues and potentially other countries to prepare our players for differing conditions and to assist in developing appropriate skills."

By now, Terry Alderman would have England one-down but hopefully you're still with me?

On Wednesday, Australia announced a 13-man squad for the Boxing Day Test, the first of four against the touring Indians.

The headlines are that out go Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja; Shane Watson and Ryan Harris are not considered fit enough to return; Shaun Marsh is considered fit enough to be tested and Ed Cowan, Dan Christian and Ben Hilfenhaus are all a chance to break in (or back in, in the seamer's case) to the Australian side.

Now, back to the report.

The first point, the restructuring of the National Selection Panel, has been an unqualified success. Since the recruitment of Mickey Arthur as coach and John Inverarity as Chairman of Selectors, the active and transparent management of the talent pool has been a revelation. Not least to the maligned former incumbents, Andrew Hilditch, Greg Chappell and Tim Nielsen.

For example, standout Sheffield Shield players of recent seasons, Christian and Cowan, have been positively courted.

Christian has been spoken of warmly by the Australian administrators in recent months, and included in recent Test squads to face New Zealand. Coincidentally, it was Cowan who brought Christian's credentials to public notice in an article he wrote for Cricinfo, indicating that if his sport used more creative measures of performance (such as those used in English county cricket) the South Australian all rounder would be considered his country's best player across the three formats.

Cowan, an articulate, thoughtful, opening batsman has become a confident spokesperson for the travailing Shield pro in recent months, crowned by his lauded diary, In The Firing Line. Approaching 30, the New South Welshman made his first class debut for the light blues back in 2003. A solid Shield performer, Cowan's move to Tasmania in 2009 proved a turning point in his career. Escaping from the shadows of his home state's much-vaunted array of talent he has prospered, averaging 53 in first class cricket in 2010 and 64 so far in 2011, for Tasmania and Australia A.

In a recent radio interview, Cowan commented that, "The communication of late between the guys on the fringes and the selectors has been really good.

"I've had a good couple of chats with John Inverarity and he's been really positive towards my cricket. He's been saying, we think there's a job for someone who bats like you at the top of the order, which is a good message to get because I don't know if that message was there before."

Such quotes indicate point two of the Argus Report's improvements is being met. The best domestic players, regardless of fad or fashion, are forcing their way into consideration. The recall of Ben Hilfenhaus, further proves that point. Discarded after the most recent Ashes for suffering a strike rate of 135 (or a wicket every 23rd over) the Tasmanian has returned to fitness and form and his willingness to bowl long, accurate spells, makes him a good chance to replace Mitchell Starc against India's formidable batting line up - one that is likely to keep Australia in the field for long stretches.

These state-level stalwarts will be joined in the squad by David Warner, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc, evidence of the balanced approach required of selection - that of looking to the future and nurturing the best available young talent.

Back in Yorkshire, England have been saved by rain but there's still one final reference to the report coming up.

Even the suggestion that Australian players would benefit from playing county cricket has been acted upon.

Phil Hughes' woes have been well documented, but the young opener's decision to commit to the English circuit this winter is a commendable display of dedication and commitment to personal development. Presumably the NSP played some role in Hughes' decision, one that should hopefully see more players on a similar career trajectory (Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Wade for example) hone their crafts in what used to be acknowledged as cricket's finishing school.

So, Cricket Australia deserves credit for its improving strategy, transparency and communication. But obviously that will count for squat if the Indians maul the home side like England managed to 12 months ago. The knives, already out for the likes of Ricky Ponting, Brad Haddin and Mike Hussey, will be sharpened to the finest of points and directed towards the strategic, open and communicative cohort responsible for Australia's performance.

Unlike in recent years though, when Australia has ignored its problems, it feels like there is little more the senior decision makers could do, beyond stride out onto the MCG and bat and bowl themselves. There comes a time when supporters have to acknowledge the talent at their side's disposal is inferior to their opposition. That may be the case against India, but at least fans can be confident there is finally a straightforward, well thought out approach to naming the XI wearing baggy greens on Boxing Day.