(Info4now, December 15, 2021)- Australia regain their Gabba heritage after their unforgettable experience against India last year. A determined India side even in the absence of their captain beat Australia at the Gabba and sealed the series. Against England they very successfully over turn that result and move to AUS vs ENG 2nd Test at Adelaide Oval.
Preview: AUS vs ENG 2nd Test, Ashes 2021/22
England, for the lack of exact execution of a plan, suffer a great loss in Brisbane and a quick review of the first contest may solve their problem. With an excellent unbeaten history in pink ball cricket, Australia must be all over England. England need to rethink about their bowlers first as their batsmen have no better replacements.
Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed have to understand the temperament of an Ashes. Without a stable start England have rare chance to recover from the hangover of the first Ashes Test. They have to decide how to unsettle the Australian pace attack—either taking them on or applying skills to stay on the wicket. On his return to the Test squad against India, Dawid Malan impressed the camp and his last innings at the Gabba will definitely boost hope in the top order.
Ben Stokes should be dropped to Number 7
Joe Root is in form and Ben Stokes is not in rhythm. England need to change their batting order to offer a solution to that issue. Bring Ollie Pope at fifth spot and Jos Buttler at No. 6. They looked good in the last game. Two specialist middle order batsmen have to provide enough energy in the middle as they are very secure in the playing XI. Ben Stokes needs some time. So it’s time to push him back to Number 7.
With better seam position of a pink ball, both Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad might be introduced in AUS vs ENG 2nd Test at Adelaide Oval. England have to play Jack Leach as he is a better option than Dom Bess. Unfortunately he was targeted, but he is a fine bowler and must work on his length. If someone to control the over rate, England have to go with Jack Leach.
Australia have nothing to cheer in the absence of Hazlewood
Australia win the game in Brisbane in three days and a half, and therefore they are very okay with their team. But a close scrutiny never speaks of their unchallenging ability. David Warner is still tentative and Harris to find his going. Smith to start off. Labuschagne, no doubt, is the only Australian batsman who carries a lot of commitment. Cameron Green is a young player and England in no way allow him to settle.
Australian bowling side is really threatening in comparison to their batting line-up. Cummins is the champion of Test bowling and Mitchell Starc is experienced enough. But apart from that it’s Nathan Lyon who makes big difference. He can keep it tight and maintain the over rate very smoothly. With his short run-up and high arm action, Lyon has been carrying out the task of a genuine spinner for the Aussies in both home and away matches for long.
To Conclude
The Adelaide Oval is a fine wicket for batting. But here on this pitch Jos Hazlewood tested Indian batting exactly one year back and snatched their victory. Therefore, if it’s again pink and again Australia at home, things might not be easy for England. England, of course, will try to exploit the absence of Hazlewood in AUS vs ENG 2nd Test, and two kings of swing Broad and Anderson should do the rest.
Playing XXII: AUS vs ENG 2nd Test, England tour of Australia 2021/22
Australia (Declared): Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon, Jhye Richardson, Pat Cummins and Michell Starc.
England (Probable): Haseeb Hameed, Rory Burns, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach and James Anderson.