- Apr 5, 2014
- 25,924
So to the third encounter.
Australia, without Steve Smith who has 35% of their series runs, will look for batting inspiration from his failing counterparts. Warner needs a break to pull into form and surely Bancroft will know that his place is under threat from Marcus Harris.
Batting wise, England just need inspiration from one of the weakest line ups of recent times. Bairstow's recent contributions will hopefully offer encouragement but captain Root needs to lead from the front. Rory Burns, despite a wanting technique and some hollow Aussie hands, has a century and a fifty to his name. So it is Jason Roy who is in the spotlight. The England camp has conceded that his spot as opener is somewhat miss-judged so will we see Denly promoted ? Will we see Pope or Sibley get the call ? Unlikely, but if Roy fails again, with the admission that he is being wrongly employed, questions must surely be asked.
Both sides are brimming with confidence in the bowling department- and Leeds often offers assistance to the pacers. Headingley is not the batsman's graveyard it once was but it would be a surprise not to see a covering of grass on the pitch tomorrow. When England played Sri Lanka here in the World Cup the pitch was slow and unresponsive. That may not go down well with the administrators if repeated..Expect, unless there is a last minute hiccup, for England to be unchanged. Sam Curran bowled well here last year but there is unlikely to be a tactical move. Australia have hinted at a bowling change which could see James Pattinson in for Siddle, although surely Mitchell Starc would be an option- a bowler who can be quicker the Archer on his day.
Five days set fair, possible cloud cover for the first two. The meek temptation may be to bowl first, as Headingley often flattens out and with sunny weather and cracks up later, but either way with the frailty of both line ups this may not be a run fest.
Odds:
England 4/6
Draw 7/1
Australia 11/5
For me, If Starc plays the Australian odds look tempting. But their batting is fragile and hopefully Root and Bairstow can shine in their backyard. Come on England !
BL
Australia, without Steve Smith who has 35% of their series runs, will look for batting inspiration from his failing counterparts. Warner needs a break to pull into form and surely Bancroft will know that his place is under threat from Marcus Harris.
Batting wise, England just need inspiration from one of the weakest line ups of recent times. Bairstow's recent contributions will hopefully offer encouragement but captain Root needs to lead from the front. Rory Burns, despite a wanting technique and some hollow Aussie hands, has a century and a fifty to his name. So it is Jason Roy who is in the spotlight. The England camp has conceded that his spot as opener is somewhat miss-judged so will we see Denly promoted ? Will we see Pope or Sibley get the call ? Unlikely, but if Roy fails again, with the admission that he is being wrongly employed, questions must surely be asked.
Both sides are brimming with confidence in the bowling department- and Leeds often offers assistance to the pacers. Headingley is not the batsman's graveyard it once was but it would be a surprise not to see a covering of grass on the pitch tomorrow. When England played Sri Lanka here in the World Cup the pitch was slow and unresponsive. That may not go down well with the administrators if repeated..Expect, unless there is a last minute hiccup, for England to be unchanged. Sam Curran bowled well here last year but there is unlikely to be a tactical move. Australia have hinted at a bowling change which could see James Pattinson in for Siddle, although surely Mitchell Starc would be an option- a bowler who can be quicker the Archer on his day.
Five days set fair, possible cloud cover for the first two. The meek temptation may be to bowl first, as Headingley often flattens out and with sunny weather and cracks up later, but either way with the frailty of both line ups this may not be a run fest.
Odds:
England 4/6
Draw 7/1
Australia 11/5
For me, If Starc plays the Australian odds look tempting. But their batting is fragile and hopefully Root and Bairstow can shine in their backyard. Come on England !
BL
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