The first test of the Ashes done and dusted, the teams have moved onto the day-night game at Adelaide. This is a unique series in that it has got 2 day-night games instead of the usual one. The first of which will start on the 16th at Adelaide. England who are in a spot of bother will have to win or atleast draw at Adelaide. A loss will definitely mean the Ashes is surrendered because I do not see England winning 3 tests in a row. England have been handed certain advantages just before the start. Let me analyse in the Adelaide test preview.
Warner may not play the next
The first stroke of luck for England is the likelyhood of Warner’s absence. He may not play at Adelaide because of an injury that he suffered during the first test. That was the reason he didn’t come out to bat in the second innings. In one of my previous blog, I had identified Warner and Smith as the destructive batsmen and Warner more so. It was Warner who got Australia off to a rollicking start. By doing so, Australia not only were able to overhaul England’s meagre target but Australia thoroughly flattened the spirits of the English.
Labuschagne at the other end, took advantage of Warner’s mere presence and scored briskly. I really wonder whether Labuschagne has the capability to score rapidly without one of Warner or Smith to support him. He is young and he will learn but I don’t think he can do that now. It was Warner who completely destroyed Leach. Leach’s confidence must be severely dented. It will not be surprise if Leach himself do not want any part anymore in the series.
With Warner likely to miss the Adelaide game, there will not be anyone to force the pace at the top. This is the chance England must utilise to their fullest extent. Get Smith and Labuschagne when the ball is new and things will be interesting. Usman Khawaja may get the nod to replace Warner at the top if he is ruled out. Khawaja is returning after a longtime and to be able to fill the boots of Warner will be difficult. Harris on the other end lacks confidence. This is exactly what England need when they are trying to crawl back into the series. They must make use of this opening.
Hazlewood absence
Another stroke of luck is the absence of Hazlewood. In his absence, Jhye Richardson is likely to come in. Jhye is young and he must be raring to have a go at the Englishmen. Shane Warne has been a big advocate for Richardson. He even wanted Starc to be dropped for Richardson. Hazlewood has been miserly and has picked up wickets right at the start. On the otherhand, Richardson will know that once Hazlewood returns, he will have to make way. He may bowl fast and pick up loads of wickets thinking that this will be his only test and thereby make the task of the selectors difficult or he may feel the pressure to keep his place and may prove to be erratic. England will hope for the latter.
Buttler must be asked to open
England must think of something drastic. They must ask Jos Buttler to open. Yes, it is an outlandish suggestion but it is a chance England must take. Who knows, opening the innings may actually unravel the real Buttler. Granted he does not have the technique to open the innings. Neither did Sehwag or for that matter Warner. They both have proved quite successful. On the swinging English conditions this may not be an option but in Australia, this must be tried. Far too much time was spent on Buttler to be let go to waste. Down the order, he has hardly done anything of note except for one match winning innings against Pakistan.
Adelaide has the best batting pitch in Australia. The ball will not swing here except under lights. The pitch will give Buttler his best chance to succeed. Afterall, he is not going to bat any poorly than Hameed or Burns. If he succeeds, that will give a massive boost to England and they would have found their equivalent of Warner. Knowing England and their conservative approach, I doubt this will happen.
Going in with all seamers
Anderson and Broad did not play at the Gabba but they may very well return at Adelaide. If not Broad, Anderson must because he is their highest wicket ticker and a bowler that Australia respect. England must not make the mistake of picking all 4 seamers. Leach was humiliated at the Gabba but Adelaide is known to be much more responsive to spinners. I doubt whether Australia will go after Leach again in the same fashion. If not Leach, Bess must be included, if not for anything, atleast to maintain their overrate for which they have already been penalised. Anderson and Broad will have to replace Woakes and Robinson. Robinson’s pace tailed off towards the end of the Australian innings and with Adelaide expected to full of runs, Robinson will be jaded before the 3rd test.
What about Australia?
The non-availability of Warner and Hazlewood is a serious blow. Especially Warner. The ruthlessness that Warner showcases at the top cannot be matched by anyone else. Neither Harris nor Khawaja will be able to replicate that. Having said that, Australia have most of their bases covered and are back in a ground where they have won most of the games after day-night cricket started. Lyon’s effectiveness on this ground will be enhanced even further. Smith will want to stamp his authority on the series and will want to score a big daddy hundred. Head’s hundred was timely and it must have given him immense confidence.
Conclusion to the Adelaide test preview
All in all, Australia are threatening to runaway with the game and the series right at Adelaide. They will want to win the Ashes before the New Year and they do seem to have the personnel for achieve that ambition.