March 29, 2024

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The Ashes 2017 – Battle of Uncertainty

The Ashes 2017 – Battle of Uncertainty

By Dinesh Anandan

The Ashes are here – Do you know how they started? In 1882, Australia beat England at the Oval by 7 runs. A mock obituary appeared for the death of English cricket, which inspired the aim to ‘reclaim the Ashes’ from Australia.

Experience will play a key role:

Cook, Root, Broad and Anderson will play a vital role in determining the success for England. Here’s an interesting stat for all the Aussie fans.

No. of Ashes tests played by Cook+Broad+Anderson = 78

No: of Ashes tests played by the current Australia squad = 62

On the other side, Australia do have Warner, Smith, Lyon and Starc who are genuine match winners for their side.

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Mouth-watering contests between bat and ball:

Warner vs. Anderson:

Warner had an average of more than 58 during the last Ashes series in Australia. But the major threat to Warner is none other than Jimmy Anderson, who has got Warner out seven times in 11 tests.

 

 

Ashes

Root vs. Australia’s Pacers:

Root averages almost 54 in test cricket but when England toured Australia in the 2013-14 Ashes series, he averaged only 27.42. Root is a strong player of spin, so Australia’s pace trio of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins will try to get him early.

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Smith vs. England Bowlers:

Smith will be the most-prized wicket which England bowlers will treasure the most. Because of his unorthodox technique, he doesn’t have any major weakness as such but Broad believes that the best chance of getting Smith is caught behind the wicket early.

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More Debutants at play this time around:

For England – 8 players (Stoneman, James Vince, Dawid Malan, Jake Ball, Mason Crane, Craig Overton, Tom Curran and Ben Foakes) will make their Ashes debut in this series. Also, there are 4 players who will make their test debut in this series.

For Australia – 6 players (Cameron Bancroft, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, Pat Cummins and Sayers) will make their Ashes debut in this series. Also, there are 2 players who will make their their test debut in this series.

Middle-Order Concerns:

This Ashes battle becomes more uncertain because of the inexperienced middle order batsmen in both line-ups. James Vince, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow haven’t had much experience in facing the Australian bowlers. On the other hand, the middle order of Australia (Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh and Tim Paine) haven’t had much Ashes experience to handle pressure situations. So, this becomes tricky for both the sides if their top order doesn’t score enough runs. The success depends on the team which handles pressure situations well.

Results in all opening Test of an Ashes series:

Overall: Australia 27, England 23, Drawn 19

In Australia: Aus 16, Eng 12, Drawn 6

In England: Eng 11, Aus 11, Drawn 13

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“Will it be the home team Australia or will it be England who can turn things around at Gabba? “. The first test starts today with a lot of excitement in store for cricket enthusiasts.

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