 The first Test match was even though a draw but typically Ashes competitive. Both
teams fought back admirably with balance of power shifting its place regularly.
The English were deemed to lose but fought back to ensure an easy draw. The
English team has been admired and it is the hosts that are taking the stick
for their lackluster bowling performance which allowed England to start Ashes
on a high note.
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The most common debate amongst Australian media, fans and experts is: have Australia lost their winning touch and finishing skills? They practically
have not won anything; Test, T20 or One Day International series since beating
New Zealand in February.
There is panic in Australian ranks, one that you have not seen in the Australians
for at least 15 years. But the game of cricket is funny enough to accommodate
a compensation of Australian remorse at Adelaide, where the second Test starts
on Friday.
The man in firing line has been Mitchell Johnson, who returned with
his worst ever figures of 0/170 at Gabba. The figures of Ben Hilfenhaus
do not stand pretty at 1/142. A performance of mere 11 wickets in 228.5 overs
by Australia has prompted to recall Ryan Harris and Doug Bollinger, a move that
could mean Johnson will have to sit out the Adelaide Test.
Marcus North's poor form continues as his is under pressure to keep his spot
and with Khawaja and White in the ranks he could lose it any moment.
Australia have won only one of their last five Tests with three losses and
a draw.
England came to Ashes beholding pressure of doing well, with 5-0 thrashing
of 2006-07 backlashing in their minds. England have done particularly well on
the tour, doing well in the practice games and then staging a spirited come
back. There is no doubt that England are a lifted team and Australian are all
over the place, the question is that can England go a step further and put their
noses in front to make history.
The Adelaide Test, according to former Australian bowler Merv Hughes is going
to assist pace bowling much more and the conditions may not be easy to bat as
the ball slides on. The disturbing thing for England is the ordinary performance
of Graeme Swann; they would certainly be hoping that Swann turns around his
game for the second Test which starts from 3rd November.
It has been occasionally drizzling in Adelaide, which means the moisture in
the air would assist English fast men. Kevin Pietersen didn't get an
opportunity to regain form but he has to play well if England want to command
the second Test match.
England have won three of their last five Tests with a loss and a draw.
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