I'm horribly torn by this series. On one hand it'd kill me to lose the Ashes on home soil to the whinging Poms; on the other, I'd like to see us perform really badly, so we get some fresh blood both in the team, and on the selection board.
SIDDLE!!! How bloody great was his hat-trick? [video=youtube;XNUaGOXvsms]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNUaGOXvsms[/video] http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2010-11/engine/match/428749.html Pretty even after the first couple of days. Australia looking shaky though; Siddle saved them in field, and Hussey the only batsman making the total look respectable.
So a draw in the first test. Australia likes playing in Brisbane, and usually wins, so advantage England. Disappointed that England didn't try to win it, but no surprise that they're taking a conservative approach. On to Adelaide for the next match to be played at what was once the most beautiful cricket ground in the world. Unfortunately it's charm, and character has forever been destroyed all in pursuit of the almighty dollar. I don't think England will (or should) change their line-up; they could bring in another spinner for days 4 and 5, but I don't think they will. Australia desperately needs changes. Clarke didn't look fit at all to me, and North has long been a liability. Replace them with Ferguson or Khawaja, and Smith. The failure of the Australian bowlers to take 20 wicket is a disgrace, and bowlers who can make a breakthrough need to be brought in. Johnson needs to be dropped, and (if fit) Harris brought in. I'd also strongly consider dropping Hilfenhaus, and naming Peter George for his first test.I don't reckon the Australian selectors will make that many changes though, their far too conservative. Naming a new captain who actually has a clue about field settings wouldn't hurt either, but it's not going to happen. Hot conditions predicted, with some cloud cover (which is unusual) so the ball may swing more than is normal at Adelaide; you'd reckon this will advantage England.
England well on top after two days. The Adelaide Oval pitch always follows this formula: offers something for the pace bowlers on the morning of the first day, then is a great batting wicket for days 2 and 3, then gives the spinners a lot to work with on days 4 and 5. Looking at this match, England should look to bat most of day 3, then send Australia in for an hour, or 1/2 hour before the end of the day. Get the Australian opening batsmen worried about just surviving till the end of the day, rather than scoring runs, and they'll be more likely to make mistakes.
Watching highlights of the 2006/7 Adelaide Ashes Test during the rain delay is sending shivers up, and down my spine. I'm watching myself sitting by the player's race, giving shit to the England batsmen as they get out.
