I’ve
been keeping a close eye on the Ashes this year, though saying that I keep a
close eye on the Ashes every year! I have to say, I’ve been quite disappointed
with England’s performance so far. But is it all down to poor play? Or is it
just Australia’s secret weapon, Mitchell Johnson, giving us a good run for our
money?
After
the first two tests he has 17 wickets under his belt, so the question on
everybody’s lips seems to be: can he build on this run of success in the third
test on Friday? It’s likely Australia will be going for the kill in the third,
so Johnson is likely to be putting everything he’s got into his overs.
Apparently
he’s been taking advice from fast-bowling expert Dennis Lilee, who advocates
“TUFF”, which stands for “Target, stand Up, Front arm and Follow through”. With
this technique everything else seems to fall into place, so that Johnson can
concentrate on his speed, something that he certainly seems to relish. He’s
been quoted as saying, “I like the idea that being a fast bowler you can be
aggressive and intimidate.” Perhaps something that England ought to bear in
mind and steel against I reckon.
Obviously
it’s not just Johnson we have to worry about though; Ryan Harris is a superb
bowler and Paul Siddle can’t be ignored. Andy Flowers has said that the side
will change up, after laying the blame for their first two losses at the feet
of the batsmen. IT’s inevitable that they won’t be taking two spin bowlers in
at Perth, but the question remains of whether they will have Monty Panesar or
Graeme Swann as their specialist spinner. Or maybe they won’t take a spin
bowler at all; I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see!
Either
way I’ll be crossing my fingers for a win! Anyone that’s interested can follow
me on Twitter for regular updates.
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