England looking to secure Ashes before Christmas
Ricky Ponting’s job as the captain of Australia might be at stake as the home team takes on England in the 3rd Test of the Ashes 2010-11 at the WACA, Perth from Thursday. A victory here would secure the urn for England but might raise more eye-brows
for the Aussie fans who are already disappointed and dejected with their team’s showings in 2010. On the other hand, England are feeling more confident than ever to retain the Ashes as the only problem they have is the injury of Stuart Broad, otherwise, all
the problems lie with the Aussies at the moment.
The major concern for Australia is its bowling lineup which is missing the mystery of Warne and a battler like McGrath. Australian bowling was never this weak in the last two decades. The Australian hopes would be lying with Mitchell Johnson at WACA, who
is going to make a comeback after being dropped for the 2nd Test due to a wicket-less effort at Brisbane. However, the Aussie selectors must have realized that Johnson is the only bowler right now for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 who has the ability to win a Test
match for the country. Aussies experimented with Xavier Doherty in the first couple of matches but have lost faith in him after a disappointing show at Adelaide.
One gets the feeling that the Australian selectors are getting a little impatient with the slow-bowler’s spot because Nathan Hauritz has performed well at times in the Test match arena but a disappointing Indian tour has led to his downfall. The selectors
should keep in mind that the Indians have a great batting lineup which is more comfortable against spin and even the likes of Muralitharan and Warne struggled against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 at its home soil in their early days as international cricketers. But may be Shane
Warne’s boots are a little too hard to fill.
Phil Hughes will take the place of injured Simon Katich whereas Steven Smith, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus are expected to make a comeback in the playing eleven.
On the other hand, England must not get complacent as the series is not over yet and the opponent is none other than Australia, which has the ability to bounce back from any situation. The current form of English batting lineup must be giving immense comfort
to Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower. Since the 1st innings collapse at the Gabba, English batsmen have stood up and batted as if they are up against a club-level bowling attack. Alastair Cook and Kevin Piterson were under a lot of pressure and scrutiny
but both have made a remarkable comeback to form in the battle which matters most for English cricket.
Apart from a place in the bowling department in place of the injured Stuart Broad, England would play an unchanged eleven. Lanky Chris Tremlett looks likely to take Broad’s place and should enjoy extra bounce at the WACA.
At the limelight of an illustrious career, Ricky Ponting is definitely facing the most challenging time ever. He must be missing those days when he had McGrath, Gillespie, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lee-c72382 and Warne in his armory.
Both the teams would be looking to seize the advantage before the boxing-day test, however, England are definitely the favorites with all the team in supreme form and playing like champions.
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