Australia review: Ushering in a change of guard

Tests: P9 W5 L3 D1

ODIs: P18 W13 L5

T20Is: P11 W7 L3 NR1

The home Ashes series whitewash that began at the end of 2013 was only a sign of things to come for Australia as they enjoyed a satisfying 2014. A victorious tour of South Africa followed and despite a reality check presented by Pakistan, later in the year - they have yet to establish themselves as strong opponents in the subcontinent - victory in ODIs over South Africa and in Tests over India at home gave them positivity ahead of the World Cup, early next year.

Despite all the victories and the odd defeat, Australia's year was dominated by things that happened outside the field. Mitchell Johnson's bowling won praise, but the song and dance around it was reviled (remember Michael Clarke's threat to James Anderson?) Clarke batted through a broken shoulder but had to apologize to Dale Steyn for the unpleasant barbs. James Faulkner's open dislike for the West Indies players falling flat when they beat Australia in the ICC World T20, and were eliminated shortly after. And underestimated Zimbabwe before losing to them for the first time since 1983.

The several joys on the field, however, were trumped by one moment when Australian batsman Phil Hughes, 25, was felled by a Sean Abbott bouncer in a Shield game and died two days later. While their home series against India was delayed, Hughes' death united the world of cricket in grief, as exemplified by Australia captain Michael Clarke's tearful tribute for his 'little brother'.

Clarke's troublesome back and hamstring allowed Australia to name Steven Smith as captain for the last three Tests against India, and his rise with three successive centuries ensured their team was in good hands as they wrapped up the series 2-0 with one game to go. David Warner's form throughout the year in all conditions brought him six Test centuries and while Australia worried over the form of Shane Watson, the emergence of Mitchell Marsh keeps them hopeful of gaining a world-class allrounder in the years to come, as did the impressive debuts of seamers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott.

Australia's 4-0 lead in the Ashes turned into 5-0 at the beginning of the year as they turned around the defeats of the last two series, but it was in their victorious return from South Africa that earned them the highest praise. David Warner's three centuries, Mitchell Johnson's fiery spells and captain Clarke's playing through pain to emerge victorious were the standout efforts in a hard-fought - and often foul-mouthed - contest.

They blanked South Africa 2-0 in the T20 internationals and were billed favourites to lift the World T20 title thanks to a strong team, but left Bangladesh with just one victory out of four games. Defeats to Pakistan and West Indies left them under pressure before India put them out of their misery, and a facile win over hosts Bangladesh meant they finished third and bowed out of the competition, putting an end to the careers of Brad Hogg, who came out of retirement to participate, and Brad Hodge, who is unlikely to be picked at 40.

Their return to international cricket following a lengthy break after the World T20 meant several players were rusty coming into the tri-series in Zimbabwe, and after inflicting a 198-run defeat on the hosts in the opening game, stumbled to a shock three-wicket loss, their first defeat to Zimbabwe in 31 years, and went onto lose in the final to South Africa. Their overseas misery continued as despite blanking Pakistan 3-0 in the ODI leg of their tour, they were handed a 2-0 pasting in the Tests.

While Australia were singing praises of Steven Smith towards the end of the season, and Mitchell Johnson's intensity dipped after the highs against England and South Africa, it was David Warner who emerged as Australia's most important Test player in 2014. With six centuries and 1136 runs, Warner has banished his reputation as a mere dasher as teams often found out, only to be left in the wake of his assault. Against both pace and spin, in conditions as different as South Africa and the UAE, against every opposition, Warner brought his A game to the fore.

With four of his five ODI centuries coming in 2014, Aaron Finch was an important member of Australia's limited overs plans as they begin their World Cup campaign at home in early 2015.

After possibly playing the innings of his career against South Africa, injuries that have troubled Michael Clarke throughout his life came back to haunt him, threatening to end his career at just 33 years old. Clarke's wobbly hamstring saw him amble through the tri-series in Zimbabwe and limp off the field in the UAE and in Australia against India. He played through severe back pain for a century at Adelaide, but tore his hamstring later on and while captaincy fell on Steven Smith's hands, Clarke, who went in for an emergency surgery, was left to wonder if he would make it back in time for the 2015 World Cup, or worse yet, come back at all.

While a 25-year-old assumed Australia's Test captaincy, two 23-year-olds emerged as Australia's future stars. Mitchell Marsh came with a cricketing pedigree and announced himself in the tough conditions of Zimbabwe, but it was his batting in the UAE on turning pitches that caught the eye, where several experienced batsmen succumbed to Pakistan's spin. Josh Hazlewood's five-wicket hauls in an ODI against South Africa and on Test debut against India signalled the arrival of a promising bowler who has age as well as pace on his side.

Jan 6-10: Fourth Test v India, Sydney

Jan 16: ODI tri-series v England, Sydney

Jan 18: ODI tri-series v India, Melbourne

Jan 23: ODI tri-series v England, Hobart

Jan 26: ODI tri-series v India, Sydney

Feb 14: World Cup v England, Melbourne

Feb 21: World Cup v Bangladesh, Brisbane

Feb 28: World Cup v New Zealand, Auckland

Mar 4: World Cup v Afghanistan, Perth

Mar 8: World Cup v Sri Lanka, Sydney

Mar 14: World Cup v Scotland, Hobart

June 5-9: First Test v West Indies, Roseau

June 13-17: Second Test v West Indies, Kingston

July 8-12: First Test v England, Cardiff

July 16-20: Second Test v England, Lord's

July 29-August 2: Third Test v England, Birmingham

Aug 6-10: Fourth Test v England, Nottingham

Aug 20-24: Fifth Test v England, The Oval

Aug 27: Only T20I v Ireland, Belfast

Aug 31: Only T20I v England, Cardiff

Sep 3: First ODI v England, Southampton

Sep 5: Second ODI v England, Lord's

Sep 8: Third ODI v England, Manchester

Sep 11: Fourth ODI v England, Leeds

Sep 13: Fifth ODI v England, Manchester