Cricket Update: England preps for the 4th Ashes Test.
The most exciting test series in modern time is the current Ashes showdown in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746. Back in 2005 when the 2 teams locked horns was termed as one of the greatest ever but with 3 matches gone this one has also attracted attention of the whole cricketing
world and has them on the edge of their seats. The reason may be that England has finally shown that they can match the Aussies stride by stride even in their own backyard. Even though Australia has found form and hit back in the 3rd test to level
the series. Rest assured there will be no prisoners taken by England in the last 2 games and would do all they can to hold on to the precious erne. Baring in mind that England only need to win one more test to assure that they keep the Ashes, as they are the
current holders and is Australia mange to draw the series England would keep the erne till the next Ashes showdown.
The 4th test between the two teams’ starts on Boxing day at Melbourne, and England are expected to go in with the same team that lost at Perth. There were some doubts regarding the fitness of James Anderson but the fast bowler has dismissed those
doubts by putting in a resolute performance in the teams’ extended net session on Friday. His bowling partner Steve Finn also showed good form in the nets, as the team got back in practice after having 4 days of rest following the 267 defeat in the 3rd
test.
As the 3rd test ended, there were some reports that England may go in to the 4th test with some changes. Anderson was on top of the list considering he was complaining of some stiffness in his side muscle, and also due to some expected
jet lag as the fast bowler had flown home to witness the birth of his 2nd daughter. But the pace has proved his fitness and is ready to go. On the other hand, Steve Finn looked over worked and a bit jaded in Perth which may have been due to his
first experience of the Ashes and he looked a bit over worked. However, in the recent net sessions both showed signs of improvement and looked good to go. The 4 days rest to put their feet up seems to be just what England needed before the all important Boxing
day test match, and the whole team seems to have recovered from a big defeat and look hungry to put the series to bed at Melbourne.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ajmal-Shahzad-c42489, another tall right arm fast bowler is still in reckoning who was believed to be the backup for Finn. Even though Steve Finn has proved his fitness for the 4th test, there may still be a last minute decision. It is expected that
Melbourne may offer some assistance to those who can make good use of the old ball, and Shahzad is believed to be someone who is a good exponent of reverse swing. England captain Andrew Strauss had given his backing to Finn before they resumed practice on
Friday. The tall fast bowler has already taken 14 wickets in the series with an impressive average of 33.14 and is the leading wicket takes. So it would take some big heart from the team management to decide otherwise.
Christ Temlet is almost assured a place due to the absence of Stuart Broad who suffered a stomach virus. So England would prefer to have quicks in the team who have been leading the attack in a successful year for them.
England Captain said:"It has been a demanding Test series, especially with our reliance on only four bowlers, and Stuart Broad didn't bowl in the second innings at Adelaide,"
"So the bowlers have had quite a lot on their shoulders, but I don't think that's a reason for him not to play. We must look at the conditions here and decide what type of bowling attack will most suit, and also how fresh Finny is and the rest of the
bowlers before we make any decisions."
Tags: