What a ruthless display by Australia. A 381 run victory inside four days has shellshocked England. This has hurt the Poms.
Some big questions hang like a storm cloud over the England camp. Lets have a quick reflection on a couple of these.
What to do about Jonathan Trott?
There is little doubt Trott is rattled. His pre-ball movement, which is to plant his front foot down the wicket, closes his upper body off – especially to the pace and angle of Mitchell Johnson. This causes him to not be able to get into a good position to either sway/duck or play a pull/hook shot.
When he does attempt a pull shot, it is not with a horizontal bat but with a bat at 45 degrees. Therefore, he can only hit the ball up in the air.
What would help him is to open his stance and not have such an exaggerated movement down the wicket. This would allow him to be in a better position so he can pick up the length of delivery better and make a good decision as to how he can play the ball.
Can he make the necessary adjustments before Adelaide? I am not so sure. He has had over two months to address this issue.
Will England play him in Adelaide? I am guessing they would for continuity, taking into account Trott’s record. If they do, I am sure Harris, Johnson and Siddle won’t be too disappointed.
Graeme Swann’s ineffectiveness
England’s bowling plan revolves around rotating the three seamers, with Swann having a flexible role of attacking and defensive spinner depending on the situation.
Where this fell down in the second innings in Brisbane was when the Australians attacked Swann viciously, forcing Alastair Cook revert back to his seamers whom could have done with a bit more of a break.
This plan to attack Swann by Australia will continue, so England will certainly think about bringing the all rounder Ben Stokes in to bat middle order and be fourth seamer to take a bit of pressure off the other seamers.
In 2010/11 at Brisbane, Swann had match figures of 2-161 and followed that up with five wickets in the second innings of the second Test in Adelaide so Australia would be foolish to take him lightly.
Adelaide should take some turn (unless Cricket Australia instruct the SACA curator to leave lots of grass on the pitch!) and Swann is the quickest bowler, from debut, in the history of the game, to take 250 Test wickets. There is a good chance he can turn around the situation.
Making this more challenging for him is Australia having right handers in their middle order, a distinct ploy to reduce Swanns effectiveness.
Australia’s big positive was Mitchell Johnson. Fast, aggressive, intimidating and positive with the bat. This Test will go down as one of his very best in the baggy green.
I hear a lot about Mitchell Johnson being a ‘confidence’ player. The environment created by Michael Clarke and Darren Lehmann in this Aussie camp is tailor made for a player like Mitch.
Publicly backed and privately backed, with selection nonsense thrown out the window – remember the farcical 17 man squad picked before 2010/11 Gabba Test?.
Players are given a positive message and not wondering who is going to play. It is very noticeable that the Aussies are having fun and looking to always take the positive option in games. Finally!
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
For example pitches looked very flat in the 2005 ashes in uk, the new ball seemed to do next to nothing.
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
I just asked from what i've experienced on tv over the years.
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
Thanks for replying and a thoughtful one at that@ jason
Jason Gillespie
Guest
I am just thankful I was able to represent my country at cricket. All former players will tell you that they would not change the era they played in. Regardless of the conditions you are presented, you have to go out and do a job. Pitches have not changed much at international level in test cricket for a long time now- pretty much since covered pitches. Where the big difference in Australia has been recently has been Sheffield shield surfaces. They have been far too much in favour of bowlers- this does not prepare anyone for test cricket. Batsmen are on a hiding to nothing, seamers get an inflated opinion of themselves and spinners struggle for a bowl let alone a decent one. Flatten the shield surfaces and the cream will rise to the top.
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
You bowled 145-148,..lee and shoaib were 150+ regularly.but i can't remember when they were as hostile as johnson at the gabba.
Prosenjit majumdar
Guest
Jason, do you ever feel a triffle unlucky to have played at a time when pitches(even in aus) were considerably flatter n slower than they're now maybe?
MJ
Guest
Agree Red - Lyon is doing very well for this stage of his career. Give him more experience he will only get better.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Looks like one of your questions has been partially answered with Trott returning to England. It doesn't fully answer it, as we don't know what changes that will mean in the team, but the likely change is that Bell moves to 3, Bairstow in at 6 and Root to 5.
Elijah Weightman
Roar Guru
I'm still going to respect England and not underestimate them. A team of proven champions, they'll hit back. We might be slightly ahead in the betting stakes now, but their performance in the 2010-11 series is still fresh in my mind.
Slane
Guest
You win the internet.
Simoc
Guest
That is a blow to England who are in trouble after two inept batting performances. Australia ongoing problem is the top order batting. Thankfully we have three test class batsmen and the other three Rogers, Bailey and Smith have a couple of tests to come good. Without Trott (who has been way out of form), the gun bats like Cook, Bell and Pieterson are under more pressure to perform. I've got no doubt they will but it may not be enough. If Anderson or Broad breaks down it's curtains. Australia must now be favourites for the Ashes.
Elijah Weightman
Roar Guru
Yep, the word just in is that Trott has left the squad to return home, citing he needs some time away from cricket to recover from 'depression'.
Jak
Guest
yup, he's bailed
JGK
Roar Guru
What to do about Jonathan Trott? Looks like he's answered that question: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/nov/25/jonathan-trott-leaves-england-ashes-tour
Genius Selector
Guest
This attack has some really good variety in it. 1.We have Mitch the tear away 2. harris the accurate/ fast, pressure building type who bowls that nagging line and length 3. Siddle the steady workhorse who will pick up the odd wicket here and there, also is a good pressure builder 4. Then we have the developing young offie who builds pressure well who will pick up the odd wicket. So we have 2 wicket takers in mitch and Harris and the steady eddy in Sidds. and Gazza the young developing tweaker.
Red Kev
Guest
Nor can I, but I still want to see him there for all five tests.
Genius Selector
Guest
BOWLED GAZZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pope paul v11
Guest
Can't see Bails prospering but you never know. Smitey still has a few probs against quicks but he's well established so will be given leeway. That's if it's needed, he might go off.
Chui
Guest
A successful Indian tour? Mmmm. You know Ashwin can't open the bowling in Australia don't you.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
I'm expecting a batting fest in Adelaide and predicting a draw. That is providing England lift their game with the bat, of course. Then it will be off to Perth, which is not a happy hunting ground for England either. Congratulations to Australia for the first test, even though it was a little hard to swallow at times...