Ashes Second Test Preview
December 2nd 2010 18:38
Link: twitter.com/mattsaltmer
Tonight brings the start of the second test of this year's Ashes series, with the score tied at 0-0 after the opening Brisbane test. England go into the game unchanged after that impressive fight back at the Gabba, and a stunning second innings effort of 517-1 declared. Australia meanwhile, make at least one change, with Mitchell Johnson dropped for either Doug Bollinger or Ryan Harris.
This series was highly anticipated to be a close affair, and the first test offered no evidence to the contrary. Australia looked on top of the first three days, before a great England fight back saw them seize momentum. The second test is once again, too close to call. Before the series began however, most ex-England players and pundits, stated that if the tourists could manage a draw in Brisbane, they could well be favourites to retain the Ashes.
England's batsmen struggled in the first innings, bowled out for 260. Pietersen and Cook both got good starts, scoring 41 and 67, but in such a close contest, these scores need to be converted into centuries. Ian Bell impressed, but running out of partners, he lost his wicket for 73. The second innings was a different story, only three batsmen required, and they scored 517 between them. Should England bat first, Strauss will expect to post a much more imposing first innings total.
England's seamers did OK in Brisbane. Steven Finn took six Ashes debut wickets, which will have helped settle his pre-tour nerves. Andersen bowled superbly, and deserved a better return, while Broad was solid if not spectacular. Graeme Swann will want to improve on a poor start to the series. I have no doubt the England side will remain unchanged for Adelaide.
Australia's batsmen struggled, with two of them bailing their side out. Big centuries from Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin, helped the hosts to a big total, despite the top order faltering. The second innings was more batting practice than anything, with a draw already inevitable. But at least Ponting made 50 in quick time, proving the Aussie skipper is in good nick.
The Aussie bowlers were battered in the second innings. Mitchell Johnson struggled in the last Ashes series in England, and didn't improve last week. He finished the match with figures of 0-170, and won't get a chance to make up for it this week. Bollinger and Harris will be on the edge of their seats to see who gets the nod to replace him.
Spinner Doherty did well on his debut, taking a few wickets, with Siddle the most impressive. The England second innings was a one off, and the home side's bowlers will be sure to not let it knock their confidence too much.
But with the match starting tonight, I really can't pick a favourite between the two sides. It is sure to be intriguing stuff, with the winner sure to be in pole position to win the urn.
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