Here we go...
Virgil is set to open with Joyce (no place for Strauss) which I think is a good move. Needs to get at least 10 overs at the crease. The real test in Friday's warm up will be for those bowlers on the edge like Mahmood & Plunkett. We need to remember that both of the guys are still young. And the Aussies will be keen to bite back hard. No doubt they will target both the youngsters. Hopefully Lewis will continue to bowl wicket to wicket as he really won't get any swing out there. JD thinks that spin will play a big part in the series, and I think he's right. Fortunately, we are blessed with a decent left-arm spinner in Monty and a pretty good off-breaker in JD. But add into that stew Virgil's own tweakers and KP's turn and bounce and we look pretty well endowed on the spinners front.
I'm pretty optimistic about us beating Oz on Friday. To lose would be disastrous especially when the Aussies are at such a low-ebb and seem to be uncertain that they have even brought the right team. Nice to see indecision; it shows a real like of self-confidence, which from the Aussies is the sweetest music they can play.
Expect plenty of sledging. Expect KP to whack the ball really hard. Expect quick decisions from Virgil about bowling and fielding changes...but most of all expect a tight game where neither side will be looking to take prisoners.
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2 comments:
Yes, most teams will be counting on England to further demoralize the Aussies, so their job would be made easier in the Super 8 stages!
Joyce has done remarkably well opening, in such a short span of time.
Though don't you think Flintoff should lead the side? With Michael Vaughn's on and off the team, and Andy not knowing when he'd be captaining the side next, its creates a bit of... you know, uneasiness on him and the team.
Slim, I have to agree that the unknowing for Freddie could be a real concern but my view is that Virgil is the best man for the job. Flintoff is a fantastic cricketer; one of the best of all time. He is an incredible talisman and I have watched him change matches. But I am not so sure about his tactical skills. What separates Vaughan from any England Captain since Mike Brierly is his intelligent cricket. I love Freddie to bits and he should do the job when Virgil is unfit, but whilst he is fit MV is the right man for the job.
Joyce is looking good and I think he will make a big impact over the next few matches. Let's hope he shows the Aussies what he is made of today.
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