First of all, I want to talk about the news that Peter Siddle has been preferred to Doug Bollinger for the first Test. This news surprised me. Bollinger has taken 47 wickets at 22.02 in his last 10 tests and although he has had an injury lay-off (the reason given for his absence), Siddle has not played a Test since January and has also recently been working his way back to fitness. As an English fan I am more than happy to see Siddle striding out at the Gabba instead of Bollinger as I believe he carries far less of a threat. The fact that Andrew Strauss has shown a weakness against left-arm pace bowling would have been a strong reason for the inclusion of Bollinger as shackling England's influential captain will be essential if Australia want to regain the little urn.
For me the inclusion of Doherty was also a surprise. However in this case I think it is a good decision from the Aussie selectors. Hauritz has been far from convincing recently, even in state cricket. Whilst Doherty has been enjoying a good run of form, including 4 wickets on his International debut. I cannot believe Kevin Pietersen's struggles against left-arm spin were not a factor in Doherty's inclusion. He claims it is not a weakness however his dismissal against Steve O'Keefe for 5 in the 'A' game once again highlighted this weakness.
Pietersen is a big game player and for months now I have been cautiously optimistic about his chances of scoring runs. However Doherty's inclusion has now cast doubt on that assessment. It will surely play on Pietersen's mind. I'm convinced that Doherty will be straight into the attack when Pietersen appears and this might well have an effect on him. Time will tell whether he is good enough to combat this weakness and have a big influence on this series.
In the past few days Michael Clarke's participation has been in doubt due to the back problem that has troubled him his entire career. However after taking part in the training session yesterday it looks likely that he will play. This will be a big boost to Australia as he is a key player for them.
Now I have not said much about England because there is not too much to say. They could not be more settled and all their players have found some kind of form. They will not have a better chance to win the Ashes in Australia for some time.
Now for any gamblers out there, I will provide some tips for the series. My bet for the top run scorer from England will have to go to Strauss. He has already hit two hundreds on the tour and will be crucial to any success England achieve. There are quite a few players who will be vying for this accolade in Australia's side but on the tour of India, Ricky Ponting proved he is still the class act among them. I expect him to be desperate to win back the Ashes and he should lead by example, that means scoring runs, and lots of them.
As for the bowlers, I expect Graeme Swann will be the big wicket taker for England. He will have to get through a lot of overs in a four man attack and the Aussies will probably look to attack him which will play into his hands. For Australia, the reliable Ben Hilfenhaus will be key. He should enjoy the swinging conditions in Brisbane but is more than capable of adapting to the conditions as he showed in India.
When it comes to the biggy, the series outcome. I would go for a 2-2 draw. The teams are very closely matched and the series should be closely contested whatever the outcome.
Whatever the outcome of this series I am sure it will be a gripping and close contest. Dare I say it, worthy of rivalling 2005? We shall soon see. I can hardly wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment