FIFTH ASHES TEST PREVIEW – ENGLAND vs AUSTRALIA Has Australia forgotten how to win? You’d have to think so after the last Tests performance. No team should ever lose nine wickets in a session, especially after being 0/100 and on top of the opposition. It just proves the mental instability through-out the entire Test line-up. The fifth and final Ashes Test is a chance to for England to walk away with a 4-0 drubbing, and a chance for Australia to seek redemption for what has, for the most part, been a disappointing series. This preview will contain everything you need to know about the fifth Test. THE GROUND The Oval, London. The Oval encapsulates both a modern feel and historical presence. The ground is dominated by the gasometers to the east, as well as the old pavilion which overlooks the entire ground. The last Test that was played at The Oval, was an absolute batsmen’s paradise. South African star Hashim Amla helped himself to 311*. He and Jacques Kallis combined for a 377-run partnership, Kallis also making 187*. Andrew Strauss and Graeme Smith both made centuries in the Test as well. That could be the case for this Test as well, early reports suggest that the wicket is dry, which will mean it should be good for batting early, but help the spinners later on in the Test. The new ball is critical for each teams fast-bowling attack LAST TIME THEY MET Fourth Ashes Test at the Riverside Ground, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th of August. England’s first innings – 238 | Alastair Cook – 51 (164) | Nathan Lyon – 4/42 Australia’s first innings – 270 | Chris Rogers – 110 (250) | Stuart Broad – 5/71 England’s second innings – 330 | Ian Bell – 113 (210) | Ryan Harris – 7/117 Australia’s second innings – 224 | David Warner – 71 (113) | Stuart Broad – 6/50 England won by 74 runs. Stuart Broad was the Man of the Match. IN THE SPOTLIGHT Matt Prior – England’s wicket-keeper was in the top 10 Test batsmen in the world before this series commenced, however that is no longer the case. Prior has struggled with both the bat and the gloves. He has only made 86 runs at an average of just 14.33! He has also dropped several catches through-out the series as well. If he sharpens his game up, England will be better for it, if not, it will be interesting to see how long he lasts. The Australian Selectors – What is confusing me is that the selectors are dropping underperforming players, replacing them with players that have showed glimpses but have also underperformed, before dropping them and recalling the players that had been dropped for underperforming. It is anyone’s guess to know what the selectors are thinking for this fifth Ashes Test. LOOKING GOOD Ian Bell – Yes, him again. Easily the player of the series, he has made 500 runs at an average of 71.42. Whenever he comes to the middle, he doesn’t look like getting out. He has scored three centuries and two fifties, and will be looking to do much the same this Test. Ryan Harris – We all knew it, if he could keep fit, Australia would benefit from it. He has been hitting great lines and lengths at good pace, with swing and seam movement - textbook fast bowling. He is the second highest wicket taker for the series, with 20 wickets at 19.25, just three behind Graeme Swann – who has almost bowled twice as many overs as he has. Keep fit Ryano ! TEAMS Tim Bresnan and Graeme Onions are both unavailable due to injury, meaning the door opens up for either Steve Finn or Chris Tremlett. England have also added uncapped spinner Simon Kerrigan, as well as all-rounder Chris Woakes to their squad, they will consider playing two spinners with Woakes as a fifth bowler – dropping Jonny Bairstow I’d suspect, but why change a winning formation? Kevin Pietersen is also under an injury cloud, but has been passed fit to play. Possible XI – 1. Alastair Cook, 2. Joe Root, 3. Jonathan Trott, 4. Kevin Pietersen, 5. Ian Bell, 6. Jonny Bairstow, 7. Matt Prior, 8. Stuart Broad, 9. Graeme Swann, 10. Chris Tremlett, 11. James Anderson. Injury concerns again with Shane Watson, however he played in Australia’s practice match through the week and has been passed fit to bowl, so he’ll keep his spot in the team as an all-rounder. Jackson Bird is expected to make way for Mitchell Starc. Usman Khawaja appears almost certain to be dropped again, with either Phillip Hughes or back-up keeper Matthew Wade to take his spot in the side. Plenty of changes once again. Possible XI – 1. David Warner, 2. Chris Rogers, 3. Phillip Hughes, 4. Shane Watson, 5. Michael Clarke, 6. Steve Smith, 7. Brad Haddin, 8. Peter Siddle, 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Ryan Harris, 11. Nathan Lyon. RECENT RESULTS England – W W W D W Australia – L L L D L BETTING ODDS The bet365.au market has England $2.05 favourites, Australia at $3.60 and the draw also at $3.60. Remember, always gamble responsibly.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 10:09:49 +0000
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