- Apr 5, 2014
- 23,524
So the Urn will return to Oz. Well, actually it will stay at Lords and the Aussies can buy themselves a replica from Gamleys
It’s still all to play for. Why ? Simply because England haven’t lost a home series against Australia since 2001. A nice stat to continue.
So to the traditional last Test of the summer at the Oval this Thursday. The same observations and expectations of the series still lingering from the first. Namely fragile top orders (Except, of course, for Steve Smith and now his capable deputy come compatriot, Marcus Labuschagne) and strong bowling line ups to dominate.
Australia have played the better cricket throughout. A team confident in its anchors. England, still perhaps unsure of itself after the World Cup success, has never managed to look like a team who have easily slipped into the transition of formats.
The selection of the same squad for the final Test is not overly surprising. Bayliss, despite his detractors, has served the nation well. It would be best not to ring changes now. England have a busy winter schedule (a rather overloaded one too) so those currently in the squad should have another chance to state their claim as new blood will inevitably be considered.
The pitch
Since 2000
England: 10 wins
Draw: 4
Opposition: 5 wins
Australia won the last encounter in 2015 by an innings with a century from…. Yes him. Warner made 85.
The surface is traditionally seen as pacey, bouncy and even. More in keeping with Perth. Not quite in the Harry Brind tradition but recent matches have not been close enough to judge its longevity.
Winning the toss would normally see a team batting. But that’s nothing new.
England
If Stokes is only able to play as a batsman we may see the inclusion of Sam Curran. Jason Roy is the obvious choice to make way here as Denly will continue to open. Roy will not be best pleased to miss out at home.
Australia
Starc should continue. I was surprised it took so long for him to enter the fray. But rotation is the Aussie thing when playing with a four man attack. Siddle had a good match here in 2015.
Forecast
Hopefully incorrect: Australia win.
Stat Fart
I've looked up the last drawn series: 1972
BL
It’s still all to play for. Why ? Simply because England haven’t lost a home series against Australia since 2001. A nice stat to continue.
So to the traditional last Test of the summer at the Oval this Thursday. The same observations and expectations of the series still lingering from the first. Namely fragile top orders (Except, of course, for Steve Smith and now his capable deputy come compatriot, Marcus Labuschagne) and strong bowling line ups to dominate.
Australia have played the better cricket throughout. A team confident in its anchors. England, still perhaps unsure of itself after the World Cup success, has never managed to look like a team who have easily slipped into the transition of formats.
The selection of the same squad for the final Test is not overly surprising. Bayliss, despite his detractors, has served the nation well. It would be best not to ring changes now. England have a busy winter schedule (a rather overloaded one too) so those currently in the squad should have another chance to state their claim as new blood will inevitably be considered.
The pitch
Since 2000
England: 10 wins
Draw: 4
Opposition: 5 wins
Australia won the last encounter in 2015 by an innings with a century from…. Yes him. Warner made 85.
The surface is traditionally seen as pacey, bouncy and even. More in keeping with Perth. Not quite in the Harry Brind tradition but recent matches have not been close enough to judge its longevity.
Winning the toss would normally see a team batting. But that’s nothing new.
England
If Stokes is only able to play as a batsman we may see the inclusion of Sam Curran. Jason Roy is the obvious choice to make way here as Denly will continue to open. Roy will not be best pleased to miss out at home.
Australia
Starc should continue. I was surprised it took so long for him to enter the fray. But rotation is the Aussie thing when playing with a four man attack. Siddle had a good match here in 2015.
Forecast
Hopefully incorrect: Australia win.
Stat Fart
I've looked up the last drawn series: 1972
BL
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