Ashes 1st Test aftermath
As emotive as England’s late escape was yesterday, the team will be under no illusions – they were thoroughly outplayed. With the 2nd Test following just a few days behind, Strauss will need to regroup his team fast. Here are the areas that are of concern:
Top-Order Batting
Whilst the 1st innings score of 435 looked respectable enough to begin with, not one batsman was able to convert a good start into a big score. Kevin Pietersen top scored with 69, yet was the most culpable in giving his wicket away with a horrendous shot that would get vilified if it were played in a club match. Even for a fan of Pietersen such as me, it is difficult to continue to make excuses for the increasing number of careless dismissals he gives up.
The only member of the top 5 to emerge with much credit was Paul Collingwood, who was the only one to offer a rearguard effort in the 2nd innings. Ravi Bopara was out-thought by Mitchell Johnson in the 1st and unlucky in the 2nd, and Cook and Strauss scored 63 runs between them in the match.
Bowling
England’s bowling was awful. We witnessed in the Caribbean this winter how badly they struggle on a flat wicket, and this was an even more stark example. Flintoff’s success against Philip Hughes was about the only positive. What we did not expect was the poor performance by Graeme Swann, who seemed set for a big summer. Stuart Broad was also disappointing, and he needs to start turning his potential into sustained performances before his place in the team comes under threat.
Positives?
Their lower order batting in this match saved England, which was about the only good aspect of the team’s performance. Swann made two important contributions, and Anderson and Panesar withstood everything Australia could muster at the end. They have dodged the bullet at Cardiff, so the top 5 get the chance to set matters straight with the series still level.
Ricky Ponting’s tactics weren’t always spot on, and he is not the best tactically, which helped England – Marcus North bowling at the end to tailenders was a questionable choice.
Where now?
There will be changes for Lord’s – the news is that Flintoff is injured (surprise, surprise), and they will not play two spinners in the 2nd Test. The squad is the same, except for the addition of Steve Harmison to provide extra cover if Freddie cannot play.
My suspicion, and considering the consistency of selection we have seen recently is that Onions will replace Panesar and Harmison will play if Flintoff can’t. Many will say that Harmison should play, but I get the impression that Flower, Strauss and the other selectors have Onions ahead in the pecking order at current.
There will not likely be any changes to the batting lineup. With only Ian Bell in contention as a replacement, there is not much choice in the batting department at present, and the Australian’s feel that they have Bell’s number.
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