......for a bit. Up-coming test and I think we can do it, but here's a couple of observations you may like to agree with (or not). England to win but Trott and Pietersen to fail with the bat. I've seen both of them playing over here and am not impressed with either. Pietersen appears to be self possessed and has the attitude that "if I do well, fine. If I don't, so what?" I wasn't impressed with any of his innings in the last (victorious) tests, he never really got off the mark. Trott wasn't any different, just never got in the groove. Thank God for our bowlers. Time will tell.
We'll win down under again brissy simply because we're the stronger team but I have to disagree on Trott & KP, they both like the ball coming onto the bat quick so will both much prefer the faster, bouncier Aussie wickets compared to our flatter batting tracks last summer so they will both do very well in the series, they both scored well in our 1st innings in the current ongoing last warm up match at the SCG against the Presidents invitation team. Agreed our bowling attack is too die for, I've rated them as the best in the world for years with the worlds best swing bowler & worlds best spinner too name but two.
A good thread, Trott should be a mr solid type,hold his wicket play steady and knock in 40s with the odd big score. KP,is hit or miss,but a bit too unreliable,even though he has masses of natural talent. As for the bowling,as Sir geoffery of boycottshire says,you have to take 20 wickets,this is where I see the problem for the ozzies. Jimmy and swann will run riot tho. I'm really looking forward to the series,it will not be easy for either of the teams.
He bowls to the left He bowls to the right That Mitchell Johnson his bowling is ****e Expect the barmy army to destroy him again. If you haven't seen it, utube Mitchell Johnson song and watch the Sydney clip. Fantastic!
Johnson is a confidence player - if he's up for it will be dangerous as he swings the ball late and at pace. Hopefully the Barmy Army will get to him
Not sure he will be in the team after the first two tests. As you say his confidence is so easily broken. Watching an ashes trip in Oz is my bucket list sporting wish. Need to get the £10k first. It might be my retirement gift to myself in 16 years time.
I saw England in Sydney in January 1999 - England were ............ not so good then - highlight was seeing Darren Gough get a hatrick. Great place to go.
Don't get too excited about that, there was no-one of any 'note' in those sides. Bit like Leeds playing a Sunday morning team, big score but against what? I stand to be corrected, but I think the highest test score is currently held by an Aussie. Oz were playing Zimbabwe. What does that tell you?
It's about getting time in the middle - nice to win as well, but the match practice is the most important thing
I'm not brissy but you can only beat what's in front of you but most importantly it's the match practice time at the crease like smhbcfc says.