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Australian spinner Nathan Hauritz’s chances of playing in this week’s third Ashes Test in Edgbaston have been boosted significantly following pitch inspections on Tuesday.
The covers came off in Birmingham to show a far less frightening pitch than had been expected following groundsman Steve Rouse’s dire predictions late last week.
Australian vice captain Michael Clarke thought the deck would take turn to greatly enhance Hauritz’s prospects of keeping his spot after claiming nine wickets in the opening two Tests.
“I think the wicket is pretty dry though and I think spin will play a part in this game,” he said.
“Like I say the weather will determine how much of a part.
Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell expected his home county deck to be good to bat on with 12 of the last 14 county matches at the ground ending in draws.
“I am pretty much sure it will be a pretty good batting wicket,” he said.
Clarke said his side had to focus on taking 20 wickets for the first time after falling 1-0 down in the series with the 115-run loss at Lord’s last week.
“Things could be better, we could be 1-0 up, there are things we need to improve with bat and ball,” he said.
“We need to be playing our best cricket to beat England in these conditions. Five days is enough time on any wicket to take 20 wickets. It’s one thing we need to continue improve on.”
Bell limped a little at training after twisting his ankle on Monday but is still expected to be ready for the start of the match on Thursday.
Bad weather is threatening to put a major dampener on the match with a draw still being the favoured result by the bookmakers for the clash.
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