 England
are celebrating as they have retained the Ashes but they haven't won it
as yet. The series is poised at 2-1 to England and there is one more encounter
remaining in this always entertaining series of cricket. The final game which
will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground from Monday January 3 will determine if
England win the series or Australia level it with two apiece.
Click for Live Score Card of Australia Vs England
After a very short rejoicing spell at Perth, Australia are back to their poor
form they have been in since ICC World T20. Another unsuccessful campaign means
they have not won a Test series since beating New Zealand in February last year.
To add insult to injury, the embattled captain, Ricky Ponting will be sitting
out due to broken finger with Michael Clarke being his replacement. Usman
Khawaja and Michael Beer are all set to debut at SCG. There have been talks
about the beginning of a new era for Australia under a new captain.
Many former players are unhappy with Ricky Ponting's captaincy and form; he
may have played his last Test match of the career. Brad Haddin and Michael Hussey
have backed Clarke, rest of the players also say they are desperate to win the
final Test. Australians will be looking to put on a better show with the bat,
over reliance on Hussey, Haddin and Shane Watson make them a side out
of depth.
Australia have won one of their last five Tests, losing three and drawing one.
England are at the peak of their game in recent times. Applauds after applauds
are coming in for the 'Strauss-Flower' administration who have turned the English
cricket around. Andrew Strauss became only the sixth English captain in history
to come out with Ashes in Australia. England had to wait for 24 years for this
scalp.
This in recent past has been a worrying factor for England, just when the time
comes to assault the killer blow, they become complacent. They did it against
Pakistan last year, they did it at Perth. Keep your head and treat it as another
match would probably be the first message from Andy Flower the team's director
to a triumphant English side. England have found the right bowling combination
in James Anderson, Tim Bresnan and Chris Tremlett, they are expected
to stick with the same attack for Monday's final Test. Despite Paul Collingwood's
slumping form hey may still feature in the final Test. Andy Flower has said
that the team is focusing on winning at Sydney. Let's see if they are focused
enough.
England have won three of their last five Tests, losing one and drawing one .
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