The big news in the lead up to the game was the dropping of Mitchell Johnson (however a completely justified decision). Johnson will surely be replaced by Doug Bollinger, who I thought was unlucky to miss out in the 1st Test. There is also talk that Ben Hilfenhaus' place is under threat from Ryan Harris. This seems like a knee-jerk reaction from Australia, worthy of a 90's England side. Hilfenhaus was their best bowler on the tour of India and I thought he bowled relatively well in Brisbane. The reasoning that he was not very threatening has not got much weight to it. All of Australia's bowlers were toothless (apart from a 3 ball spell from Siddle) throughout the match. Their new star spinner (part-timer Marcus North, not Xavier Doherty) was their best bowler. Taking the solitary wicket in the second innings.
Whilst Australia's preparations have been surrounded by speculation over who would play and who wouldn't. England's lead-up to the game has been relatively quiet. There is absolutely no chance the starting XI will be changed (barring an unfortunate injury). The only drama the England camp has faced has been the inevitable Twitter outburst from Kevin Pietersen. It was aimed at the Adelaide ground staff for not covering the practice nets when rain came.
It looks like the toss could be the most important moment of the match. The Adelaide Oval is widely considered to be the best batting track in the country, only on Day 5 is it expected to assist the spinners. Thus, it will be imperative to win the toss and bat, post a big first innings total then leave it to the spinners on the last day to win you the game. Graeme Swann and Australia's newest spin sensation, Marcus North will be licking their lips at the prospect of filling their boots on the last day.
There were a few under pressure batsmen coming into the first Test (from both sides), but all of them are coming into the 2nd Test with a weight off their shoulders. Alastair Cook, who averaged 26 in 10 Ashes Tests was under pressure to perform but he responded in the best possible manner. Breaking a whole host of batting records on his way to a match total of 302 runs (more than he scored on the entire tour in 2006/07). England will be hoping he can continue in this rich vein of form and form a strong partnership with Strauss at the top of the order. Trott and Bell were the other players in the England side being watched closely but both players came through the Test with flying colours. Trott making his 2nd Ashes hundred in as many games and Bell making a typically classy 76 in the 1st innings.
Mike Hussey and Marcus North were two players under intense scrutiny concerning their places in the team. Both their places are now secured. Hussey after his superb 195, which was not a normal Hussey innings as he looked to dominate the bowling (and succeeded) instead of accumulating his runs. The fact that North failed in his only outing to the crease is academical. His place is now secured as a specialist spinner, who can bat a bit (if you have not detected the sarcasm about North's ability as a spinner in this article as of yet, please note. I do not think he is a great spinner and in my humble opinion should be dropped for the leg-spinning all-rounder Steven Smith).
We approach the 2nd Test of this series in much the same way as we did the first. England are very settled and carry the 'momentum'. Australia are an unsettled side unsure of their starting XI (although in different areas this time) and we enter the game with the series still all square at 0-0. One can only hope we see a riveting Test Match that will provide intrigue into the depths of the last day. And judging by the recent meetings by these two sides (Adelaide in 2006 especially) we might just get a cracker.
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