Australia have shown in the first three games, why they still are a formidable unit despite injuries and poor Ashes run. England, on the other hand, need to sort out a few problems with their batting if they hope to win tomorrow ant stay alive in the series. Here’s a look at the SWOT analysis for tomorrow’s game.
AUSTRALIA:
The three games have produced brilliant individual performances from some expected and unexpected players and signs of the World Champion team was partially seen.
Strengths: The bowling of Brett Lee will definitely be a huge strength for the Australian team, the home advantage. The momentum that they will carry forward into the fourth game as a result of the three wins and the good form of Shane Watson, both with bat and ball.
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Weaknesses: The middle order has not been performing collectively. Cameron White’s strike rate in the 2nd and 3rd games has been appalling- scoring 53 runs from 99 balls faced. On paper, Australia have won 3 and England zero so far. But for Shane Watson in the first game, Shaun Marsh in the second and David Hussey in the 3rd, the results could have been very different. They would like to be firing together as a unit rather than rely on individuals to deliver.
Opportunities: Seal the series with a victory today. Michael Clarke can produce a captain’s innings and lead his team to victory. Steven Smith has made significant contributions but has not made a name for himself yet. This is a good opportunity for him to showcase his talent.
Threats: The return of James Anderson who is one of the top bowlers in international cricket. He also has a good record in Australia. The complacency factor, owing to the fact that won the first three games could make them play casually and dig their own grave.
My playing XI: Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Shaun Marsh, Michael Clarke (c), Cameron White, David Hussey, Steve Smith, John Hastings, Brett Lee, Xavier Doherty, Doug Bollinger
ENGLAND:
England, who were by far the dominant side in the test series, are struggling to even make Australia sweat for their victories, let alone defeat them. They will be hoping for a quick reversal of fortunes when they take on Australia on Wednesday in Adelaide.
Strengths: The return of James Anderson will bolster their bowling department. Anderson was in terrific form in the test series and England will hope he will deliver the goods in the remaining one-dayers too. The bowling of Chris Tremlett and Ajmal Shahzad was commendable in the first three games. The batting of Jonathan Trott has been a pleasure to watch, as he has played with maturity.
Weaknesses: The batting, especially the middle order which has not fired for quite some time now. Matt Prior, at the top of the order has two consecutive ducks and must justify his inclusion in the World Cup squad with a strong performance in Adelaide. Injuries to Swann, Kevin Pietersen and Tim Bresnan will hamper England’s chances.
Opportunities: This is an excellent opportunity for Paul Collingwood to prove he still has unfinished business in the shorter version of the game. With Graeme Swann out of the series with a back injury, all eyes will be on James Tredwell. He would definitely like to prove his worth. Michael Yardy can also step up to the stage and make his mark.
Threats: The batting collapse, which England are prone to has been quite prominent in the series. Binga, who on comeback, has shown why he is still a lethal bowler. He will be a very big threat to England’s fortunes.
My playing XI: Andrew Strauss (c), Matt Prior (wk), Jonathan Trott, Michael Yardy, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan, Paul Collingwood, James Tredwell, James Anderson , Ajmal Shahzad, Chris Tremlett.
Match Timings: The match will kick off at 13:50 local time. GMT-03:20 IST-08:50. Indian viewers can catch the action live on Star Cricket. There will be a preview show at 08:00. Do tune in to watch what promises to be an exciting contest.
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