Tim Bresnan emerges as the leader of England’s pack

When England have been good on this tour, they have been very, very good in thought, word and, Perth excepted, deed. After the grand, tension-free escape in Brisbane, there was the textbook victory in Adelaide, a well-nigh perfect performance.

At the Waca they batted poorly but at least the think-tank was operating with a clinical, clear-sighted logic, which has been consistently absent from the Australian quarter. There Chris Tremlett was chosen to replace Stuart Broad, patently the correct decision.

Full story: The Guardian

Dependable Tim Bresnan to lead England fightback

Image by mailliw via Flickr

Tim Bresnan is strongly expected to play in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG as England plan how best to respond to their 267-run defeat at the Waca.

Bresnan’s all-round reliability has become increasingly attractive to England with Steve Finn beginning to show the effects of an exhausting debut season and Jimmy Anderson under treatment for a stiff side.

Finn is England’s leading wicket-taker in the Ashes with 14 victims but he disappeared for more than five an over in Perth and England are determined to impose themselves on a slower pitch at the MCG, the sort of methodical approach that brought them victory in the second Test in Adelaide.

Full story: The Guardian

 

England likely to keep four bowlers (VIDEO)

Policy has worked for 18 months says Flower

England ready for Australia swing – Pietersen

Batsman Kevin Pietersen says England will be better prepared for Australia’s swing bowling in the fourth Ashes Test after their 267-run defeat in Perth.

Australia levelled the series after bowling England out for 187 and 123, Mitchell Johnson taking nine wickets.

“We’ve had great success against swing bowlers in the past,” said Pietersen.

“The ball swings in England throughout the summer so swing bowling’s not a problem. I just don’t think we prepared ourselves for it,” he told BBC 5 live.

Full story: BBC Sport

 

Local knowhow for quicks

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Victoria’s two most senior players have endorsed the retention of Australia’s all-pace bowling attack for the Boxing Day Test.

Captain Cameron White and vice-captain David Hussey both support an unchanged side from Perth, despite Melbourne’s conditions not being as overtly suited to pace as the WACA Ground.

Full story: The Age