Preview: Third Ashes Test – England hope for early Christmas present (Part 1)
Australia is hoping against hope that they find their lost rhythm going into the third Test at Perth tomorrow. Things have not been going exceptionally well for the Aussies as they have struggled to make http://www.senore.com/Cricket/A-Dent-c41093 in the English batting
line-up which is poised to nag the Australian bowling attack. In their last two encounters, England have amassed almost 1400 runs compared to the 1100 that the Australians have managed in all their encounters. It is also significant to mention that England
scored 1400 runs in one less innings than their Australian counterparts.
The miseries of Ricky Ponting and his team are piling up as his future remains uncertain. If http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 go on to lose the Ashes, it will be the third Ashes loss for Ricky Ponting under his captaincy, a record that can only be equaled
by George W Bush. England now lead the five matches series 1-0 and will in most probability retain the Ashes. However, during their 100 year old history never have they won an Ashes battle before Christmas. If England goes on to win the second Test at Perth,
it will be the first in 133 years.
Despite the series being only 10 days old, it has taken its toll on both the sides. Stuart Broad has found himself injured with an abdominal tear, while Simon Katich of Australia has found the Achilles heel a little more than an
itch. Both the players have been ruled out of the series.
This Ashes could also possibly be the series that put an end to Marcus North’s career. He was never too good with the bat or too good with the ball. He was average, while the Punters needed North to find more consistency with the
bat. Unfortunately that was not to be as he got dropped, which might possibly put an end to his career.
The Aussies have also been forced to make wholesale team changes, the sort the English team was mocked for in 2002-3 and before, in 1989. The Australians have made three changes, which include Steven Smith (21), http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Phillip-Hughes-c2185
(22) and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Michael-Beer-c1949 (26). It is expected that Mitchell Johnson will now be making a comeback after spending a week in the WACA nets with coach, Troy Cooley.
Players to watch out for:
Mitchell Johnson will be making a comeback in the third Test and it is expected that he will try to undo the damage wrecked on his ego, as he was thrashed mercilessly at the Gabba. Johnson went without a wicket and was dropped
from the squad for the first time in his career. The WACA has been a good venue for Johnson who has bagged 21 wickets in three Tests played there, including his career best figures of 11 for 159.
James Anderson’s form will be crucial for the Englishmen, considering the new ‘dad’ James Anderson flew in to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lancashire-c806 and back, last week. He had the next five days to battle the jet lag and practice on his bowling. The Australians
are now determined not to relent at Perth or allow the remodeled bowling attack of England to overwhelm them. Interestingly enough, he was dropped for the Perth Test four years ago, however he is now a much better bowler than he once was.
The discussion will be continued in the second part of the article where we will take a look at the probable teams that will be playing in the third Test, along with some Stats and Trivia from WACA and quotes from team members
of both sides.
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