Fitness worries for England
A long series can take a lot out of the players. Similarly there have been some fitness issues with the players during the Ashes series. Some of the players have already been ruled out of the series and some are uncertain of their chances in the upcoming
matches.
The Australian captain Ricky Ponting had an injury which made him uncertain for the next Test and for England; it is James Anderson who is doubtful for the Boxing Day Test. However, the English team was confident that their leading pace bowler will make
it to the next match.
Anderson is battling a side strain but he was confident that he will be leading the attack in the coming matches. The English batsman Jonathan Trott also claimed that Anderson will be a part of the playing 11. Commenting on the chances of Anderson, Trott
said, “Very, very good - I don't know why he wouldn't play. As far as I know he's looking really good.”
The English Captain Andrew Strauss hinted that the tall seamer Steve Finn will be rested in the Melbourne Test. After the speculation over Anderson’s fitness, Finn may be given a chance in the next match. Strauss said that the Ashes has been a demanding
series and the bowlers have worked really hard.
Strauss 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.”
It will be a big blow for England if Anderson is not fit to play. He has been the leading the English attack in the recent past and his unavailability will dent the confidence of the English team. The vice captain of the Australian team Michael Clarke also
said that the absence of Anderson will be a disadvantage for the visitors.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-Dent-c41093 in their team, but I'm very confident that Anderson will be fit to play.”
Strauss said that Finn has been a good find but he lacks consistency. He definitely has the knack of taking wickets but he will be a better bowler if he is more consistent. The reverse swing will play a crucial part in the Melbourne Test and for that, Ajmal
Shahzad or Tim Bresnan will be better options rather than Steve Finn.
Strauss was expecting tough challenges ahead saying, “They will be two tough Tests, you expect that out here. Huge support for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746, Ashes on the line, there's going to be a lot of pressure around and personally that excites me. It's a great test for
us as a side and I think we'll handle it well. I'm very confident that they won't be overcome.”
England will be hoping to bounce back and win the next match but the team would be concerned over some fitness issues of the players.
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