Posted by Nick at 12:28pm November 24th, 2010
First Ashes Test preview
So, England finally get their Ashes defence up and running, harbouring genuine ambitions of becoming the first touring side to win the Ashes down under since 1987. After some promising warm-up performances and good recent form, Andrew Strauss’s side have arguably their best chance in a quarter of a century to beat the Australians on their own patch, although there are certain to be plenty of twists and turns between now and 7th January.
There are two factors which have combined to give English supporters such hope. Firstly, England’s form over recent years has been excellent, with a settled side featuring both a competent batting line-up and an exciting, versatile bowling attack. Secondly, of course, this is far from a vintage Australia side, with Ricky Ponting’s team recently subject to an embarrassing seven consecutive defeats.
England are better prepared for the first Test than in many recent tours. Good warm-up matches have helped the team’s form and touch and the squad look to be in good condition. The four first choice bowlers elected to travel to Brisbane early (rather than playing in the final warm-up match) in order to acclimatise to Queensland’s humid conditions – a canny decision on the part of the captain.
England coach Andy Flower said: “The reasoning is that conditions in Hobart are very different to the ones in Brisbane, and we want to give that group of bowlers a little head start. They are going three days earlier than the rest of us, and it will also give an opportunity to the other group of bowlers to put their names forward and perform well against Australia A.”
Seven consecutive defeats, bad press and poor form have put enormous pressure on Australia captain Ricky Ponting. Indeed, with just a few days before the first Ashes Test, the Aussie selectors are still unsure who will feature in their starting XI.
Even legendary Aussie wicket-keeper/batsman Adam Gilchrist believes England have a great chance. He said: “I don’t think it will be finished after three Tests, but for once, if it is all over by Christmas, it won’t necessarily mean Australia have won the Ashes. I can already see the headlines by saying this, but England are probably favourites this time.
“In terms of form and preparation, it’s not what Australia have been used to in the past 20 years. The team has taken a blow in confidence after negative results and we are realising we don’t like losing - but maybe it’s something we need to get accustomed to.”
Taking into account all the above factors, England look to have a great chance to win the Gabba Test for the first time since 1986. However, I’m not so sure it will be that easy. England’s performances at the Brisbane ground have been pretty poor over recent years – a 277 run loss in 2006, a 384 run thrashing in 2002 and a 184 run defeat in 1994. Indeed, England have only won the Brisbane Ashes Test twice in the last ten attempts.
Whilst Australia may not be the side of old, they still have an impressive home Test record. They have won eleven of the last twelve home Test series (the one series they lost was to South Africa just before going away and winning a series in that country) losing just three matches in that period. And, since England last won an Ashes series in Australia, the Aussies record against the old enemy reads: 3-0, 3-1, 3-1, 4-1, 5-0.
It’s true that the two teams are much closer than they have been in recent years. However, with home advantage and with the added incentive of it being an Ashes series, Australia are a great bet at evens.
And, with Ricky Ponting desperate to avoid the ignominy of becoming the ‘losing-est’ captain in Australian Ashes history, the 35 year old can lead from the front. Back Ponting at 10/3 to be first innings top run scorer for Australia at the Gabba.
