Ashes 2013
Sides uncertain that they will get a game
September 6th
[10:00 CEST]
Right now it is pretty uncertain that the players will even get out on the
ground today. The forecast for the afternoon is very bad, it is raining now and
it is expected to continue after the start time, with a short window around
midday when some play may be possible. By mid-afternoon heavy rain is expected
to arrive. The only chance for a result would be if the umpires agreed on a 20
over game from the start.
For both
sides there are plenty of questions with Ashes stars rested and new stars
coming through. England will have to think long and hard about their support
bowling. With only three specialists against Ireland the attack looked a bowler
short. There are few options in the squad: Jamie Overton, who is very raw
indeed, or Chris Jordan. Hopefully, Overton will be protected and will not be
thrown straight in. Jordan though needs to play. He is a fine bowler and,
although his batting has not developed as much as it should, he has the
potential to be an excellent all-rounder, in much the same way as the much
younger Overton.
Otherwise,
there should not be to many arguments about most of the side. Finn, Rankin and
Tredwell will lead the attack, with support from Stokes. Pietersen, Trott,
Trott, Root, Morgan, Bopara and Buttler are almost arguable. The only doubt is
whether England will sacrifice a batsmen – presumably Carberry – to play
Jordan, with Pietersen and Trott moving up to open.
Australia will
pick an interesting mix of fringe players and players such as Johnson, Wade and
Marsh who are hoping to get back into the Test frame. A lot of attention will
be focussed on Fawad Ahmed. He knows that a good series most likely will propel
him into the Test side for the winter, especially if he backs it up with a good
tour of India. However, it will also be interesting to see how the crowd reacts
to Mitchell Johnson and how he reacts to the crowd.
Most likely,
tonight the players will move on to the next match still level at 0-0 having
watched the rain falling for most of the day.
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