Intriguingly, while we are in the middle of an interesting Ashes series, South Africa and India begin their series tomorrow. The winners will be crowned the best test side at the conclusion of this series. I wish that I had the time to properly do a preview (Steyn V Sehwag, Dravid, Tendulkar etc.) – but with Christmas around the corner and having just returned from Holiday, this is a subject i should return to.
This Ashes series is perfectly poised though. After Australia dominating for 3 days in Brisbane, England found their form to dominate the last two days and then to crush Australia in Adelaide. Next up is Perth, which really represents Australia’s last chance to get back into this series. England’s only win at the WACA was during the 1978/9 Ashes tour, when the Australia side was severely depleted by the rival Packer series. Generally the WACA pitch is a pitch for the quick bowlers to enjoy as the leading wicket takers comprise a who’s who of Australian strike bowling – noticeably as well the West Indies first loss at the WACA came during the 2000/1 whitewash, winning all of the 5 tests they played up to that point.
Australia have brought back Mitchell Johnson (as well as Ben Hilfenhaus), and have brought in Beer & Smith as options in the spin bowling department. All of the changes smack of desperation for a side who do not repeat the trough’s of the mid 1980’s. England, who are one up, have a selection headache of their own. Stuart Broad is injured, with Chris Tremlett tipped to take his place. I think that Bresnan might be a better bet.
A win for England will se them retain the Ashes for the first time since 1986/7. However Australia are notorious for their fighting spirit. Now would be a good time to see that.
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