The Ashes 2009: Fourth Test Headingley

A nnihilation. That is the exact one word that describes the fourth test of this series. Australia came into the match and showed their intent from the very first over while England seemed to have lost the game in their minds before it began. They had no plan, showed no gumption for a fight and were unimaginative.

Partly, I think Strauss had a bit too much on his mind after winning the toss. In the morning there was the mishap involving Matt Prior and that unsettled his concentration and they also had to deal with the absence of Andrew Flintoff. What followed was a quick search for a replacement wicket keeper which was nullified after Prior recovered quickly from the back spasms. So after winning a good toss, when Strauss walked on the crease to open the innings his mind was cluttered. He should have been out on the first ball but was spared by Billy Bowden. But he failed to capitalize on that life and England collapsed for 102 in their first innings. Australia, in reply, were clinical and amassed 445 runs thus gaining a match winning 343 runs lead. As I write this, England are 8 wickets down in their second innings and are looking down the barrel. I think Australia will go into the final test with lots of positives and quite a few players from their team who were struggling have gained in confidence. England on the other hand have no clue with the absence of their biggies like Flintoff and Pietersen. They have nobody to rally around and Strauss looks like a completely detached uninspiring skipper when in this mode.

A couple of notes on Australian team selection. First Stuart Clark has made his presence felt in this match. I think he and Shane Watson are two people who are out of favour with Ponting and he selected both of them very grudgingly. Both of them proved their mettle. Secondly, I think on a dry looking wicket Ponting gambled and selected an all pace attack and that did pay off.

All eyes on the final test now. I had predicted a 2-1 series when it began but did not know which team would win it. I think I do now. It is going to be 2-1 Australia.