 That
the English side was on the back-foot in the first T20I at Manchester can be
established without too much doubt. That the rain-gods saved the English side
from a major embarrassment can also be seen very evidently. However, the format
of the game is such, that England will know that they will go into the
game on even keel, with an opportunity to upset the Aussie applecart.
Click for Live Score Card of England vs Australia
The teams had been changed around in both the camps for the first game, what
with new faces having sprung in the sides. However, it was evident that the
Aussies wanted to win the game more desperately than their English counterparts,
who looked to be a bit relaxed after their Ashes triumph. However, it
does look that given the shock and awe that the English side would have received
in the first game, they will look to bounce back in the second match and get
going with a more aggressive approach.
For starters, one is not sure whether Ravi Bopara is in the right frame of
mind, let alone form to be playing international cricket for now. Another single-digit
score in the first T20I would have done his chances no good, and the only reason
he may survive an axe is that at the other end, there is another inexperienced
player in the form of Joe Denly - who incidentally got a duck in the first game
- at the other end. But, time is fast running out for Ravi Bopara.
Amongst the bowlers, the track looks good for the quick bowlers, and if the
English could get in someone like Tim Bresnan, who would be able to extract
the bounce off a good length, it could augur well for the English.
The Aussies were a charged up lot, as was evident after Mitchell Johnson
picked up the wicket of Bopara. At the other end, was another was another bowler,
who, if fit, could be the difference between the two teams through the rest
of the tour. Brett Lee had had to watch the action from the sidelines
of the balcony and that would have pained him immensely enough. He will look
to get the latent energy out during the limited version, and if the track in
the first game is anything to go by, then the batsmen beware!
Cameron White's finally coming to form after persistence from the selectors,
and Dave Warner's good start will mean that the English bowling can be dominated
and one gets the sense that the pair will be the one to look out for again.
Shane Watson failure notwithstanding, he will look to try and get his
form in the 2008 version of the IPL going for him in the series and could
be at his dangerous best while batting at the top.
To me, it looks that Australia should win the game, but then, favourites
is not usually a word one associates with them in the T20s!
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