Monday, November 29, 2010

Will the second Test bring changes

With the first Test done and dusted, the focus shifts to Adelaide next week and as to either side will make any changes. The England side looks a pretty settled unit at the moment but the question as to whether a fifth bowler should be included, will still rumble on.

The four bowlers did a decent job in the first innings at the Gabba, apart from the Michael Hussey/Brad Haddin partnership, the English unit looked to have the better of the rest of the Aussie batsmen.

England's management do have the luxury of knowing that all their reserve bowlers are in good nick after impressing in the Australia A match but it looks doubtful that there will be any changes to the line-up at this stage.

The Aussie management will be having a long hard think regarding Mitchell Johnson's continued presence in the team. Doug Bollinger is waiting in the wings to take over from the struggling Johnson and would bring the added bonus of swing into the equation. The Ashes cricket betting certainly suggests they need more firepower.

Michael Clarke hasn't looked fit since recovering from his back injury and he will need to bring more to the side for the Adelaide game. If he isn't fully fit, then he needs to step down and let someone else do a job on a temporary basis. Anyone who has bet on the Ashes should keep a close eye on how this situation develops.

Xavier Doherty has probably done enough to keep his place ahead of Nathan Hauritz and Steven Smith and should continue as the spinning option.

Although the England team is clearly a settled and happy team, the Aussie camp looks a different selection box altogether.