|
|
Cricket is so often a funny game, and it comes to bite you with the unexpected when you least expect it. It may be a freakish catch or a plucky innings to change the game. And while the first day of the series provided this in spades for England, they could not capitalize on their advantage.
It may look very easy to be able to play that Australian bowling attack. The quickies often bowl the same sort of line and playing forward to Warney is the best mode of attack and defence. It is, as half the batsmen showed at Lord’s, easier said than done. Maybe it’s a case of not being confident enough to use a strategy that may be effective. I guess we’ll find out in the next test match. However, it seems that the likes of Bell and Flintoff with the bat are all at sea, which puts even more pressure on Pietersen and the openers to make a score. It also doesn’t help matters when catches are spilt, particularly from the keeper Geraint Jones.
As for the Australians, whilst there were some nervous moments when batting, it was a case of almost going through the motions knowing that the game is all wrapped up. Of course, not one member in the Australia camp will believe that until it’s 3-0 with 2 to play, but the signs are looking very promising for another regulation retention of a trophy. Once the batsmen get in a little bit of form, it could be a long summer ahead for the home side.
Next up is the test match at Edgbaston, a ground that occasionally may present spin. However, England are unchanged and I wouldn’t imagine there would any changes for the Aussies, particularly with the warm-up match against Warwickshire losing a day through rain. What the selections say to me is that there may be a case of the English selectors conceding that the series is gone by hoping that the poor performances from the team in the first test are just a one off. It’s up to the players to tell me otherwise.
I know the preview may look to be a little short, but I’m sure that you’ll all be looking forward to the second test starting this week. I know I’m looking forward to another massive Australian victory, so I guess English fans have to believe in miracles even more than they did a fortnight ago.
UNTIL THE NEXT TEST
YOU KNOW I’M A GOOD BLOKE
MOOKS