Normally at this point on an England Ashes tour the talk would be of injuries, embarrassing performances against State and representative sides, selection conundrums and the likely margin of defeat in the test series. Even on England's last successful jaunt down under in 1986/87, Martin Johnson (no, not that Martin Johnson) - then of The Independent, famously tagged them as the team that 'can't bat, can't bowl and can't field' after some dismal performances in the warm-up matches.
This time things are completely different as Ian Bell showed today with his sublime hundred against Australia A at Hobart, which came just as England were experiencing a bit of a wobble. Just as important is there are no injuries to worry about - touch wood. Furthermore, England were impressive in victory against Western Australia in their first warm-up match, had the better of South Australia in their second and have looked impressive for the most part against Australia A after two days of their final warm-up match.
All of the top six, with the exception of Jonathan Trott, have reached fifty at least once and Andrew Strauss and Bell in particular look in fine fettle. The first choice bowling quartet have hit their straps to such an extent that Andy Flower decided to rest them from the Australia A match and send them to Brisbane early to acclimatise to the unique conditions of the Sunshine State. And the second string attack of Tremlett, Shahzad, Bresnan and Panesar showed on the opening day in Hobart that they are ready to step into the Test XI if and when required by shooting out Australia A for 230.
There are some mild concerns of course. Question marks still persist over Alastair Cook despite a hundred against South Australia and his 60 against Australia A - there is nothing wrong with his mental strength or concentration but the flaws in his technique that troubled him throughout the English summer are still evident. The other batting concern is Kevin Pietersen, who despite saying that he 'feels on fire' and delivering some cocksure cameos in the warm-up matches to date, still seems to be having inexplicable trouble when he comes up against innocuous left arm spinners. His dismissal today against O'Keefe was frankly shambolic - KP would doubtless take a gaggle of left arm spinners into Room 101 along with his captain when at Nottinghamshire Jason Gallian, Graeme Smith and Peter Moores.
But overall things couldn't have gone better and the ECB's wisdom of insisting on three first-class warm-up matches prior to the 1st Test could well pay handsome dividends come Brisbane. Certainly England will have no excuses for being undercooked this time. Strauss and Flower's only probable additional wish would have been to play one of the warm-up matches in Brisbane - but Cricket Australia were never going to allow that.
All the problems seem to be Australia's. They've lost their last three tests and have question marks over the form and fitness of a number of players. In the first category are Hussey, North and Johnson (despite his hundred for Western Australia in the current Shield match), whilst severalplayers - Katich, Haddin, Bollinger and Siddle have only recently returned from injury lay offs and Michael Clarke's back is causing some concern.
All this and the ridiculous posturing of Cricket Australia's marketing department, may explain why the selectors announced an initial squad of 17 for the Brisbane test. But it would seem that the selectors are split on whether to introduce new blood in the shape of Khawaja and Ferguson (who both failed in the 1st innings at Hobart) or stick for now with the likes of Hussey and North who both fell cheaply again in the current round of Shield matches.
Indeed, none of Australia's likely top seven for Brisbane have performed for their state sides over the last few days. With Clarke resting his aforementioned back, Watson made 6 and 15, Katich 1 and 36, Haddin 10 and 17, and Ponting 7 and 27 in the New South Wales - Tasmania match at the SCG.
As a result of all the uncertainty surrounding the home side, England have almost slipped under the radar. The usual venom of the Australian press has been directed at their own team and when added to everything else that has gone in their favour to date, England couldn't have asked for better preparation for what promises to be a pulsating series.
Have things gone too smoothly? Maybe, but this England side has proved its resilience plenty of times in the last 18 months and they have the character and unity to batten down the hatches when the inevitable challenges come their way. That said, Flower will still be praying that his side avoid crossing the path of too many black cats before his side steps on to the Gabba next Thursday - as we've said before this series is likely to be too close to call and the team that has the better luck could well prevail.
Where next?
10 reasons why Australia / England will win the Ashes
Eerily similar, if less well written: http://themixer.org.uk/2010/11/18/too-good-to-be-true/
Posted by: cheggers130 | Friday, November 19, 2010 at 16:51
Like it cheggers130 and you are being too modest - it is a very well written article. I've added you to my blogroll and look forward to reading more of your efforts
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 05:57