The next match is in Manchester. The Aussies will be right back on England who should lot of character. They did everything correct other then wining the Test. They were down after faring poorly in First inning. Shane Warne bought them back into the match. He bowled brilliantly by claiming 6-46 in 23 overs. He bowled unchanged. He not only defended runs but also claimed wickets in double quick time.
As Mr. Sidhu would claim “They fell like bicycles on bicycle stand”.
The Old Trafford pitch traditionally has been a “snake” pitch. The ball does a bit all day. A seamers pitch for first two day.
The cause of concern will be bad form of Matthew Hayden and lengthening list of bowlers getting injured. Will Lee play? Let’s see for ourselves tomorrow. Hayden’s got success after a long struggle in Test Cricket. When success came to his door, it came in bulk orders. If a very consistent performer like Hayden has a bit of bad patch it is a ominous sign. For last 10 months he has begin to dwindle down with Langer coming out as more aggressive of the two openers.
On the bowling front Hoggard seems to have lost his swing. He has been an unsung Hero of England. Harmisson needs to be more consistent. Flintoff will take wickets; he however has to be scoring more runs. The top order is a problem for England there is a long way to go. It will be no harm for Vaughan to open the innings and command his troops from there. It also shows to the Aussies who is in-charge. He has a tremendous record against the Aussies when he has opened the innings. His stroke play will definitely help Trescothick. The English have traditionally a tendency to collapse.
Should the Aussies play five bowlers? They don’t prefer to no matter what the opposition. Ponting will come good with a big tonne its just matter of time. However his fans will be thinking it will be sooner rather than latter.
The excitement is burning in me to know what will unravel? Are the English hot enough to burn the Aussie hopes of retaining the Ashes? I hope rain does not play spoil sport and dampen what has been till date a see-saw series. Wait for review of the day.
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