Troubling times for Australia as misfortunes pile up in the valley of Ashes (Part 4)
Captaincy therefore has a strong role to play in all of this. Pietersen was axed as captain of his side, which probably did not go down too well with him a few years ago. However he was replaced by a man who was more mature and more composed. This gave Pietersen
time to recuperate and find his lost form. Andy Flower must be given credit for the sort of environment he has created in the team, where they play like a unit and function like one.
Out of all of this, what should be comforting for Australia is the fact that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 looked to find his form in the last Test with his 80 odd runs. He was timing the ball with ease and stroking it crisply after a good 18 to 24 months. Mike Hussey has also
been performing quite well for his side, which are a few positives that Australia can get motivation from going in to the third Test.
In the bowling department, Ryan Harris bowled well in the conditions prevalent at Adelaide with the heat and the wicket. The most nagging worry for the Australians at present has to be their tail. When the Kangaroos are batting six down its almost as if
they are all out. Many of the things ironically we say about http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 we used to say about England.
However times have most certainly changed. England must be given due credit for their performances lately. They have come across as the better side, they are well-planned and look hungry to go for the kill. They have showed variety and a good plan as they
target each Australian batsman individually. As a unit the Barmy army is more composed and patient with their plans unlike Australia who appear to be searching and hopeful rather than having faith in their own abilities.
England have come into the Ashes well prepared, however the one worrying aspect for the Poms could be the absence of Stuart Broad. Broad is also a handy batsman down the order. Therefore they will now have to see if they plan to go with the option of Tremlett,
Shahzad or Bresnan. If the Englishmen are looking for depth in their batting then they can go for Bresnan as he can bat lower down the order, however with the way their batsmen have been performing till now, batting should not be a worry.
In which case, the Englishmen can always go for the option of picking Tremlett. He is a talented bowler, and the conditions in Perth can suit him if the pitch has more grass on it. England have the momentum with them as they go into the third Test and if
they can somehow manage to win in Perth then they might even claim the Ashes 4-0. However, the fans or the critics must not get carried away, for Australia will surely fight back in the third Test to avoid an embarrassing defeat. However, for the Aussies to
win two of the last three Tests would require something special.
They must however not rely on temporary options like getting Shane Warne back in the side, but rather evaluate their options and weigh their decisions. England, on the other hand, need to play positive cricket and not think about playing a safe game. They
need to be adventurous and play like they have played in the last three Tests where they have come across as a truly inspiring unit.
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