2nd Ashes Test Summary

This test won convincingly by England by an innings and 71 runs was symbolic for a number of reasons.These are as follows:1.England is an all round very good team.In all aspects of the game they are very solid without being spectacular.In regards to on the field their batting is very good indeed.Then in regards to bowling, they are a very cohesive unit.Which is able to get 20 wickets on any pitch against any batting line up.I say this for the bowling attack has great variety in regards to swing,seam,pace and seam.Also a few decent part timers.In the mental aspect of the game they are very strong indeed.As seen in Brisbane when they could have meekly capitulated after being behind by 200 on the first innings.Instead they came out and not only survive but thrived.Their fielding is both very good and desperate.Then lastly their backroom staff is truly exceptional.2.Australia is a side on the decline.In the wake of the lack of fight in this last day.It shows that the side has not only lost it’s mojo,but is battered on the verge of being beaten.Aside from Michael Clarke on the 4th Day.No other batsman showed any sustained fight.Then others like Marcus North was again shown up and there must be questions about Ricky Ponting.For no doubt he is a great of the game,but now is showing signs of real decay.The batting has worries,but the bowling would give Aussie fans cold sweats………….It is about as threatening as a toothpick is to a fire breathing dragon.Then there is little signs of how it can be improved.There are young promising quicks like Hazelwood,Starc and J Pattinson,but they aren’t likely to come in and make a huge difference.Of the bowlers here they all bowled their hearts out but just lacked penetration and others like Doherty just lacked test class.Which is in no way his fault.Its more a sign of the dearth of spinners in Australia.Going on the first two tests no one would see this attack capable of getting 20 wicketsThe more worrying signs is the lack of fight in the Aussies that so symbolised them.In this game when the heat came on they wilted and in this fight for survival they surrender within the first session without a yelp.The Captaincy of Ponting is to be polite is like a sketch from Robin Williams in regards to it’s farce.Then the coaches are symbolised by their lack of anything productive for the teamThen there’s the Australian Chief of selectors Andrew Hilditch………………………………….M.O.R.O.N!3.Injuries-Australia-Simon KatichThis tough rock in the batting line up is out for the series. So that is huge for the Australian openers are part of the batting line up that can be relied upon.Who comes in to replace Katich is crucial.For you have someone like Phil Hughes, but his technique isn’t suitable to test cricketSo the Aussie batting line up is weakened significantly.4.Injuries-England-Stuart BroadThis young quick is out for the series too.Though unlike Australia,which is symbolised by it’s lack of depth.England has many ready made replacement.In fact Broad hasn’t been doing much in the series so a replacement bowler might even do better.The next test is at Perth so someone like Chris Tremlett.Who was very impressive against the Australian A team in Hobart might be very useful there.

5.Going Forward

The English in possession of the Ashes are 1 up with 3 tests left.So Australia can get into it and even win it.Though I could go out on a Friday night and pick up a super model.The important word there is COULD.The reality is the Australians are on the rack and ready to be put away.I predicted before the series England would win 3/1 but now favour 3 nil