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Aussie bowlers to turn the Ashes into the Bashes

Roar Rookie
7th July, 2013
17

The recent State of Origin clash between Gallen and Miles reminded me of a tactic that has been used in Test cricket in the past: unprovoked violence on an unsuspecting player.

Not David Warner style, but rather Glenn McGrath in the West Indies style.

Australia had been “bashed up” by the four-pronged West Indies pace attack many times. But then there was a change of tactic – bash em back!

Rather than revisit history that many of you already know, let’s look at how the England bowlers might fare against this tactic in this series.

Bouncing Graeme Swann would make him try to hit out, as he does generally. However, as he is coming back from injury, he may be tempted to be extra cautious with regards to getting his body in the way of the ball. This should give Mitchell Starc in particular opportunity to castle him.

Swann’s bowling may not be affected, unless he is hit on the fingers, but his supreme confidence may take a dint, especially if Clarke can get runs off him.

James Anderson as a batsman who is always in behind the line of the ball and proud of it. He would try to stand behind the ball and nudge it fine or straight back down the pitch.

But would he then react in his bowling, trying to even up? Hopefully so, because his swing bowling is simply outstanding. A shorter length would suit us.

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Stuart Broad would try to hook, but is no Ricky Ponting. Seems like a nice fellow, but he may get a bit testy and emotional if challenged in this way. I would expect him to try to bowl a bit faster and therefore throw down a few loose ones.
Tim Bresnan may try to attack short balls conventionally. But like Broad he is no Ponting. Again we would hope this would prompt him to bowl a shorter length.

Rogers, Warner and Cowan would certainly be happy to see short ones coming their way, so let’s go the bash!

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