Like him or hate him full credit to Ricky Ponting for not hiding behind the poor umpiring decisions that saw Australia lose their first Ashes test at Lords for 75 years.
‘At the end of the day we were beaten by over 100 runs in a test and we can’t change anything that happened in the course of the game, only our own performances, and that’s what we’ve got to do with some hard work over the next week.’ Ponting said.
Both teams have a few decisions to make in the next fortnight before the 3rd test. England were right to take five bowlers into the match, although the opening session set up the game. No doubt they will stick with this plan, but how much do they rely on Flintoff, if he is crocked and cannot bowl, their attack looks at lot less venomous. Will they stick with Bopara?
While Australia has to decide whether Siddle and Johnson should be retained. The latter has gone to pieces with the ball but still offers a great deal with the bat. Matthew Hayden believes his upredictability is his weapon, but it looked more like his inability to bowl the ball where he wanted was shattering his confidence. Will Clark get recalled? One would have thought a bowler of his type would be lethal on English wickets. He could turn the series around.
All in all a lot to look forward to.
Listened to the show and know you are originally a Pom, so well said writing this, very fair