The Ashes is on full blast and once again, my viewing of the event is limited to live text updates on Cricinfo.com. My cricket tv time will come soon though, patience is key.
The 2nd Test at Lords is certainly living up to The Ashes reputation as intense contest. After a frustrating draw (for Aussie supporters anyway), the Lords instalment is helping to pile on the drama. As it moves on into the final day, Australia are still on the ropes, but hell if they haven’t made a decent fight out of it.
Have to admit though, I’ve been underestimating Haddin’s batting, which may have been due in part to myself being a huge fan of his predecessor’s batting, Mr Adam Gilchrist. So far though, he has proven me wrong in this tour, to my delight. My only worry now is that at first glance he doesn’t seem to do very well if he’s batting with the tail, with his performance so far, Australia might want to consider moving him up the order. Haddin’s keeping however, was distinctly AWFUL, and will surely come into question.
Australia’s bowling definitely needs to improve though. Something needs to be done with Johnson especially, his form lurches between average to ridiculously poor. Not sure if his off-field issues are encumbering him, but someone definitely needs to sit down with him and thrash out his concerns. If Australia’s squad was unchanged in the 2nd Test due to the fact that Australia were so close to winning the 1st, then for the 3rd Test the Aussies must seriously consider doing something different with their bowling lineup, given their inability to take wickets fast enough.
Cardiff was Australia’s to win, and their bowlers (or Ricky Ponting’s choices) blew it. Lords is now England’s to win. It is in their power. Let’s see what happens.
For my part I’m hoping England blow it of course!
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