Observations from the Adelaide Ashes Test

Ben Stokes and Mitchell Johnson square off in the Adelaide Test

image: www.cricinfo.com

If you asked most pundits what the result would be for the Adelaide Ashes test, the answer would have been a draw with plenty of runs scored. The drop in pitch was expected to be hard with very little wear over the five days. In fact when Michael Clarke won the coin toss he had no hesitation in choosing to bat.

After five days, not only was there a result in the Adelaide Test but it was a resounding win to the Australians who now have a 2-0 lead. The unlikeliest of series results may eventuate next week after the Perth test...... if the Australians win

What were the observations from the Adelaide Test ?

• Adelaide Oval has lost some of its charm. This may make me sound anti-development and anti-progress, but this is not the case. The redevelopment at Adelaide Oval is needed and should be very good for Adelaide. The issue is that when you watched the game from the Cathedral End on television you could be excused for thinking it was the MCG and not the Adelaide Oval. The only difference being the size of the sightscreen. Thankfully when viewing north from the River End, the hill and the old scoreboard were still visible.
• Catches win matches and the Australians caught well. The fielding of the Australians has improved dramatically over the last 12 months and it may finally be bringing results. It is no coincidence that the rehiring of Mike Young as fielding coach has been the major factor in the fielding improvement of the Australians. On the reverse side the English put three catches down on the first day which potentially cost them the game.
• These two teams don’t like one another. Unfortunately the niggling, sledging and aggression that both teams are showing towards each another does not look like abating anytime soon. This could get very ugly if it continues and that is not good for the game. The umpires had to step in a couple of times to separate players after the situation got heated. Currently the official line from both teams is that it is part of the game, but it is not far away from becoming really hostile and uncontrollable. The match referee and the ICC will need to keep a close eye on these proceedings to ensure that it remains under control.
• Haddin continues to impress with the bat by scoring a century at Adelaide Oval. When the game was in the balance on Day 1 both Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin produced a record breaking partnership of 200 for the six wicket at Adelaide Oval. This partnership took the score from 5/257 to 6/457 and provided the foundation for Australia’s win. Haddin’s 118 in support of Clarke’s 148 showed that Haddin is currently on top of his game.
• The other factor in the win was Mitchell Johnson’s bowling figures of 7/40 in the first innings. The spell was simply awesome with two chances of hat-tricks produced from some very fast and intimidating bowling. This spell gave Australia a 398 run lead on the first innings with over 2 days to play on a perfect batting pitch. The game was well and truly lost at that point.

With a short turn around until the Perth Test, England will need to regroup quickly or risk the Ashes falling into Australian hands. There will be at least one change to the England team as only one spinner will need to play in Perth. Surprisingly, it could be Panesar ahead of Swann as Australia has picked several right handers to counter Swann. The other option for England is to drop both spinners and bring in two seamers, although this may play into Australia’s hands.