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Some may see us celebrating a draw as a sign of the times. Perhaps that’s the truth; it may just have been a lucky escape last Monday. The reality though from my perspective could not be more different. And the remainder of the series could have hinged on the events of the 3rd test match.
England really should have secured the victory and the series lead. Unfortunately the last 2 tests have shown that they are still learning how to beat the best in the world. The bowlers, as great as they have been in this series, lack the killer instinct when it’s needed the most. Harmison proved in this test that he can still go to water when the pressure is on, ditto for Giles. Hoggard is proving to be a bit of a hack, which us Aussies have known all along, and Simon Jones is being underused. Most teams would have secured the last wicket in the 4 overs remaining, but the door has now been left ajar.
At least the batting is starting to get their act together. Whilst there have been some disappointing scores in the last test, that can definitely be attributed to the pursuit of quick runs. It seems that Vaughan, Bell and Strauss have answered their critics in the best way possible. The challenge now for them is to continue to consistently show their form for the remainder of the series. Somehow, I think that their problems with the bowling will resurface in time for their usual capitulation.
Not that the Australians have their own problems either. Jason Gillespie is the proverbial Dead Man Walking after bowling stuff that wouldn’t even get him a game for Zimbabwe. With a seamer’s mentality preferred, it looks as though Kasprowicz will return to the side ahead of the still raw Shaun Tait. The batting will also need to be looked at given the form of Hayden and Katich and the injury for Clarke. Either way, I’ll be biased and say pick Brad Hodge who has performed magnificently in county cricket (although that’s not really hard).
Much has been said of the umpiring in the series as a whole and in the 3rd test in particular. I suppose it could have been worse and a throwback to 2 umpires from the host nation as it was in the 80’s. Because the men in white are under more scrutiny than ever, it’s not surprising that poor decisions have been met with decisive action. Mind you, I would have thought that replacing Billy Bowden with Aleem Dar for the next test was a step backwards, but I’ll leave it for you to decide.
It’s also a positive sign to see the game and the series capture the attention of the English public, particularly with the football season just starting. I saw with interest in the news that English shirts were selling faster than ever before (who can blame the people, the football team are a rabble just like they always were) and the next test at Trent Bridge is a sell out. They will be enjoying something special either way, which will ensure a sell out at The Oval in the 5th test.
I cannot let this collum pass without mention of S. K. Warne’s 600th test match wicket. You can have your champion players, you can have your legends, and then there’s Shane. You may hate him because he’s too good, you may hate him because he acts like a Bogan wanker. Bottom line is, you cannot dispute his sheer genius on a cricket field. The fact that he has now surpassed 600 wickets in test cricket is mere confirmation of this.
UNTIL THE NEXT TEST
YOU KNOW I’M A GOOD BLOKE
MOOKS