 The series is evenly poised after a spectacular Australian show at Perth where they paced England out to win the match and level the series. To retain the Ashes England have to win just one of the two remaining Tests while Australia have to make sure they don't. Former players have said that psychologically both teams stands at same place, knowing the other team can beat them.
If ever Australia needed a win it was at Perth. Perth was the best chance Australia
had to recover due to the bounce the wicket offers. A team with bowlers who do
not swing the ball much and no quality spinner, it can be hard work for Australia
in the rest of Ashes series. The next encounter takes place at MCG on Boxing Day.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs England
Australia are back in the series but not free of problems as Ricky Ponting
may miss out due to broken finger. Even if he does play, he is in horrible form.
Usman Khawaja the young left hander is included as Ponting's cover. Mitchell
Johnson and Ryan Harris will be full of confidence now, as Australia may again
field an all out pace attack for Sunday's all important Test. Australian batsmen
with the exception of Michael Hussey have been inconsistent, hence making the
team vulnerable.
Australia have won only one of their last five Tests with three losses and a draw.
England captain Andrew Strauss warned his side of complacency and his fears were
realized. There was a lack of intent when England came out to bat chasing 390.
Strauss immediately started playing lose shots and paid the price, so did his team.
Perth was a complete rout but English team director Andy Flower that
his side can still turn the tables. England will continue to play with four
bowlers as they don't have services of any good all rounder. England have a
better chance at MCG then they did at Perth, Jimmy Anderson's swing and Graeme
Swann's turn could come in handy.
Batting won't be very easy and the Englishmen know that Australians will came
after their wounded batting lineup. Chris Tremlett is a welcome replacement
of injured Stuart Broad, he is a likely starter for fourth Test. England,
have been unclear on bringing changes, it was reported that they are thinking
of a few shakeups after Perth debacle but a day later Andy Flower indicated
no such intention.
England have done well to win a Test straight away after a loss, they have
done it against Pakistan, Australia and South Africa recently.
England have won two of their last five Tests with two losses and a draw.
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