Aussies looking to make it 3-0 at the WACA
Here we are, the third test of the Magellan Ashes Series at the famous ground that is the WACA. What a thrilling series we have had so far. With so much controversy and hard fought cricket, there can be no better lead up to the scorching grounds of Western Australia.
England have decided to go into the third test with no changes to the team, with the exception of promoting Johnny Bairstow to number 6 in the batting order. England to some extent here have done something positive in putting Bairstow higher in the order to contribute runs around established batsmen rather than the tail. However, the concern still lies with England's one-dimensional bowling attack and a lack of a performing spinner. England have decided to go down the risk free route and have again trusted their bowling attack to have another crack at the Australians. Whilst it is fair to say that they showed some serious signs of improvement in the last test, however, I fear that with the expected flatness of the WACA pitch, they will be exposed. I am most surprised not to have seen Mark Wood in the team. His pace and aggression is something that England need badly as the Australians are yet to be challenged by raw pace. However, I can understand that England being 2-0 down in the Ashes series would continue to put faith in the current bowling line up considering the sparks that are emerging from Craig Overton.
There has been plenty of public drama surrounding Alistair Cook and his performances in this series so far. There is no doubt that he is a living legend of the game and arguably one of the finest opening batsmen that has ever played the game. However, in this Magellan Ashes series he has not shown that at all. I still view him as England's best player, but his lack of form is hurting England in them moving forward. I think that this test is going to be crucial in him retaining his spot in the top order. With the likes of Ben Foakes and Keaton Jennings pushing selection. I believe that this may be the test for him. It is often seen that when Cook is criticised the most, his performances out of nowhere go through the roof. Hence, I have a belief that something special will emerge again from the English veteran and inspire England to again demand a firm position in this series.
Depending on the pitch and conditions, Australia will most likely go with the extra bowler in Mitchell Marsh. His all-round capacity and recent form with the bat is going to release the strain on the primary fast bowlers and allow some pace variation on the wicket. There is no doubt that Australia's bowling attack is shaping out to be the best in the world, hence, the inclusion of Marsh will reduce the work load and help ensure the fitness of the fast bowlers. But with the inclusion of Marsh, Peter Handscomb is most likely the candidate to miss out which could potentially leave him out of the series if Australia were to win this test with the inclusion of Marsh.
The concept of brotherhood is often romanticised in the world of cricket. It is often viewed through the depictions and stories of the Chappell brothers, the Waugh's, Akmal's and now the Marsh's. I would not be surprised to see both the Marsh brothers playing in the same team on the WACA, considering their home ground experience and their publicised relationship in the game.
With Adelaide in my opinion being England's best chance of putting a win on the board, I am afraid that I do not see any better performances from England in this test either. With a fast and bouncy track, England's demonstration of batting against aggressive fast bowling has been fairly weak. Therefore, I can see Australia closing off another convincing victory at the WACA.
Winning the toss and batting first is critical in Perth. History on the other hand has shown fairly low totals in the first innings, hence bowling first may not be the worst of interests for the Aussies considering the attack that they possess.
England have decided to go into the third test with no changes to the team, with the exception of promoting Johnny Bairstow to number 6 in the batting order. England to some extent here have done something positive in putting Bairstow higher in the order to contribute runs around established batsmen rather than the tail. However, the concern still lies with England's one-dimensional bowling attack and a lack of a performing spinner. England have decided to go down the risk free route and have again trusted their bowling attack to have another crack at the Australians. Whilst it is fair to say that they showed some serious signs of improvement in the last test, however, I fear that with the expected flatness of the WACA pitch, they will be exposed. I am most surprised not to have seen Mark Wood in the team. His pace and aggression is something that England need badly as the Australians are yet to be challenged by raw pace. However, I can understand that England being 2-0 down in the Ashes series would continue to put faith in the current bowling line up considering the sparks that are emerging from Craig Overton.
There has been plenty of public drama surrounding Alistair Cook and his performances in this series so far. There is no doubt that he is a living legend of the game and arguably one of the finest opening batsmen that has ever played the game. However, in this Magellan Ashes series he has not shown that at all. I still view him as England's best player, but his lack of form is hurting England in them moving forward. I think that this test is going to be crucial in him retaining his spot in the top order. With the likes of Ben Foakes and Keaton Jennings pushing selection. I believe that this may be the test for him. It is often seen that when Cook is criticised the most, his performances out of nowhere go through the roof. Hence, I have a belief that something special will emerge again from the English veteran and inspire England to again demand a firm position in this series.Depending on the pitch and conditions, Australia will most likely go with the extra bowler in Mitchell Marsh. His all-round capacity and recent form with the bat is going to release the strain on the primary fast bowlers and allow some pace variation on the wicket. There is no doubt that Australia's bowling attack is shaping out to be the best in the world, hence, the inclusion of Marsh will reduce the work load and help ensure the fitness of the fast bowlers. But with the inclusion of Marsh, Peter Handscomb is most likely the candidate to miss out which could potentially leave him out of the series if Australia were to win this test with the inclusion of Marsh.
With Adelaide in my opinion being England's best chance of putting a win on the board, I am afraid that I do not see any better performances from England in this test either. With a fast and bouncy track, England's demonstration of batting against aggressive fast bowling has been fairly weak. Therefore, I can see Australia closing off another convincing victory at the WACA.
Winning the toss and batting first is critical in Perth. History on the other hand has shown fairly low totals in the first innings, hence bowling first may not be the worst of interests for the Aussies considering the attack that they possess.
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