Australia labels England’s batting as Achilles heel for Ashes
Australia has questioned the capability of England’s batting strength as both teams prepare for this year’s Ashes in Australia. Aussies are planning on exploiting England’s unpredictable batting line-up. These views were expressed by none other than the
Australian skipper, Ricky Ponting. He questioned whether England’s batting has the required competence level to retain the Ashes for the first time since Mike Gatting’s feat of 1986-87.
Ponting believes that England has a huge problem at hand in the form of disgruntled Kevin Pietersen. Additionally, he put a question mark on the forms of Alastair Cook and Paul Collingwood. He said, “Kevin Pietersen, obviously, is a big question mark for
them at the moment. Alastair Cook is just holding on to his spot by the skin of his teeth, and [Paul] Collingwood has probably not had the best Test summer of his life either. They will be a little nervous when they arrive in Australia.”
Pietersen gave an under par performance in the series against Pakistan which England won convincingly. He averaged at a nominal 27.25 in his four innings against Pakistan and has not scored a century in the last 19 months. Similarly, Cook has been out of
form for quite some time now and with the exception of his 110 against Pakistan at the Ovals, he has failed to burg any big scores this year. Collingwood has scored 5 or less in his last six innings.
However, Ponting opines that the main strength of Australia’s arch-rivals will be off-spinner Graeme Swann, who has been in a phenomenal form recently. He also pinpointed Stuart Broad as a threat in the fast bowling department. Broad was instrumental for
England’s win in last year’s Ashes.
The Australian captain added, “They have some good players in their side at the moment, who are playing well. Graeme Swann is probably the stand out. Stuart Broad, and probably their captain, they have stood up for them over the last couple of years. But
they have certainly been the more consistent team than any English team I have played against in the past.”
Moreover, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746’s former coach, John Buchanan has echoed Ponting’s thoughts regarding Pietersen. The World Cup winner coach is now associated with ECB in a consulting role. According to Buchanan, South African-born Pietersen’s poor form could become
a major problem for English side and could directly affect their efforts to retain the Ashes. He also lamented the way Pietersen reacted to his omission from T20 side against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 by posting a caustic statement on Twitter.
Buchanan stated, “He (Pietersen) is a quality player and he could be an incredible strength for them but, if he's not scoring runs, he could become a major problem for the batting line-up and the entire team. Andy Flower has been trying to work on that.
Pietersen hasn't done himself or the team any favours with his recent Twittering.”
Nonetheless, Buchanan is optimistic about England’s chances in the Down Under. With Australia losing the recently concluded Test series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750, England is tipped favourite for forthcoming Ashes despite adverse conditions for English team in Australia.
According to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Buchanan-c48808, the performance of the top order will be crucial in determining the overall fate of the series. England will be relying on Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen for its batting muscle. England was routed by
Australians last time it toured Down Under as it lost all five Tests.
Buchanan believes that the role of England's bowling coach, David Saker will be critical for England’s prospects. He elaborated, “The most critical member could be the bowling coach, David Saker, with his knowledge of Australian conditions, players and balls
and his ability to bring them together as a solid unit. The England bowlers are all good players, so they should be able to adapt. None of them has any experience of winning in Australia.”
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