Post-Perth thoughts – don’t panic England fans (via Chasing Australia)

Some post-Perth thoughts England aren’t as good as they were in Adelaide, or as bad as they were in Perth. They’ve been on an upward curve under Andy Flower, and they’re still on that. Sometimes a heavy defeat can be an excellent way to refocus and banish complacency. We know England struggle against pace … Read More

via Chasing Australia

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

 

Australia’s fire has reignited the Ashes

Thanks, Jimmy Anderson. You might just have given Australia the spark they needed to win back the Ashes.

The Perth Test was the most fiery performance I’ve seen from an Australian side since the controversial Sydney Test against India in 2008. It was after that match that the players – myself included – were given an unofficial warning from Cricket Australia about our aggressive attitude during several on-field exchanges, and the spirit of cricket issue was debated at length.

Full story: The Age

 

Chappell backs vice-captain to excel in top job if Ponting is dealt a cruel hand of fate

Ponting's fracture potentially opens the door for Michael Clarke's Test captaincy debut. Image via Wikipedia

Michael Clarke has received the backing of Australia’s selectors to captain the Test team should Ricky Ponting fail to overcome his finger injury by Boxing Day, although the incumbent skipper says he played with a worse injury in last year’s corresponding match against Pakistan.

Ponting has a minor fracture in the little finger of his left hand but is confident of playing in Melbourne and selectors have not named a standby player for him in their unchanged squad of 12 from Perth.

Full story: Sydney Morning Herald

 

Johnson tears England apart, The WACA, day two (via Chasing Australia)

Close: third Test, day two, Perth Match score: Australia 119-3 (Watson 61, Finn 2-48) and 268 (Hussey 61, Haddin 53, Johnson 62; Anderson 3-61, Tremlett 3-63) lead England 187 (Bell 53, Strauss 52, Johnson 6-38) by 200 runs Session score: Australia 119-3 Australia win Session in six words: Australia lose wickets but extend lead This match is swinging … Read More

via Chasing Australia