Dig a little deeper

Oh how we've loved this Ashes series down under. Twenty-four long years we've waited for England to succeed, for them to finally bring home the urn and let there be no doubt about it; the feeling is sweet. Over and over England fans have been subjected to thrashings from Australian sides filled with brutally brilliant world class cricketers and finally the tables have turned.

For years we've loved to hate the likes of Warne, McGrath, Langer and Hayden but finally they retired and our attention turned. We had a new hate figure, a new individual to resent and deplore and his name was Ricky Ponting. And oh how we hated him, how we booed him to the crease, how we jeered when he failed and laughed when he moaned. But this series something strange has happened, something very strange. A feeling for Ponting, and an unusual one at that, has swept the nation; sympathy. To see a brilliant cricketer embarrased in such a cruel manner is not pleasant to witness, regardless of your nationality.

See Ricky hasn't just been a world class cricketer, for that title doesn't really do him justice. Make no mistake about it, Ponting has been and still is one of the great Test batsman. Second only to Tendulkar in the highest number of Test runs scored, the Tasmanian has scored an incredible 39 Test Hundreds and averaged 53.51 in 152 matches. He's scored runs on every continent against every bowling attack put in front of him and he's been the opposition's prize wicket ever since Steve Waugh retired and will remain so until he finally calls it a day.

Watching Ponting stride out to bat is like watching a warrior go to war and his innings at Old Trafford in the 2005 Ashes series sticks out as the perfect example. Australia, in dire straits, called on their captain to perform and he didn't disappoint. Ponting strode out to bat like a man on a mission; to bat all day and save the game. As his partners fell around him Ponting battled on putting the England attack to the sword, edging his side nearer to a draw that would keep the series alive. Completely focused on the task in hand Ricky occupied the crease for nearly 6 hours and faced 275 balls for his mammoth 156. Not a soul in the ground could believe it when he was finally dismissed; the immovable had been moved. But he had succeeded, through sheer bloody-mindedness and a will unsurpassed by any modern cricketer, Ricky had achieved his goal and Australia survived.

And that is the sort of innings that Ponting should be remembered for. It wouldn't be right for his story to be recounted as one of failure, as one of an Australia captain who was the first in the modern era to lose three (most likely!) Ashes series. Ricky should, instead, be remembered for all the things we used to loathe him for. For his incredible ability, both at the crease and in the field, for his die-hard attitude and for his competitive nature. He still bears the scar given to him by Steve Harmison on that opening morning in 2005, and that typifies his character best. That scar represents the fight in Ricky Ponting, it represents his never-say-die approach and most of all it represents his desire to achieve and succeed. Ricky Ponting is a winner, don't forget it.

Lets hope this isn't the end. Lets hope that he finishes with a performance that would be fitting for his truly special career.

Inheriting the Impossible: 'In Roy we Trust'

Anfield was like a library tonight. Not often are the Kop quietened but the enormity of the situation has dawned on them; Liverpool really are in trouble. It's not so much the position they are in, after all they aren't in a relegation battle (yet!), but the performances that they are putting in. Passionless, un-interested and without a fight don't even do tonights performance justice. In fact, each Liverpool player needs a 'look-in-the-mirror' session to judge where they are and what and who are they playing for.

When the final whistle blew then Anfield finally stirred. Boo's rang out around the ground demanding better, demanding application, demanding fight and heart but most of all demanding change.

On Hodgson the pressure mounts. There are growing calls from pundits, ex-players and fans for the owners to act; to replace Roy and move on from the saga. But it wouldn't be just and it certainly wouldn't be fair. Hodgson inherited a serious mess at the start of this season and to axe him before he's really put his stamp on the team would be a travesty.

Benitez really set him up. He left when Liverpool were on a downward slide, filled with mediocrity and characterised by lacklustre performances. He'd built a very average squad with considerable funds and only a few players of any real quality. Only Torres, Gerrard and Reina stood out when the ex-Fulham boss took over and he immediately identified the need to shift the deadwood and bring in quality. But Roy had a problem. He was given no real funds, no real backing from the board to create a new era and as a result could only make limited changes.

So Liverpool struggled. It wasn't absurd or out of the blue. After all the team at the end of Benitez's reign was carried by the brilliance of Gerrard and Torres. The luck had to run out and boy it did. Hodgson quickly found out that injuries to either of his two stars left him so shorn of quality that he was scrambling to put together a side that could compete in the league, let alone on the European stage.

And so here we are. Six months in and pressure mounting on Roy. How long will he last? How long before the board snap? Will he get to spend his kitty in January? Will he get to stamp his mark on the team? Lets hope he does. Lets hope his American owners have the sense to see that changing the manager rarely works and that building Football teams takes time. Liverpool fans should be turning to the man next to them and saying....'In Roy we Trust'.

5 Reasons why Arsenal can win the League

Arsenal's convincing 3-1 home win over Chelsea on Monday night has confirmed it; they are serious contenders for the title. So why have they got a shot this year?

1) The back four

The acquisition of Koscielny and Squillaci has not only strengthened the side but given Wenger's side depth. Arsenal have been without Vermaelen for long stretches of the season now but the two new signings along with the developing Johan Djourou has meant that they've been able to cope. Add to that the emergence of Kieran Gibbs, who provides admirable cover for Gael Clichy, and Arsenal seem to have sorted out their defensive frailties.

2) Alex Song

The progression of Song as a defensive midfielder has been one of the most important reasons behind Arsenal's success. Not only is he an athlete but he is also turning into an intelligent footballer with considerable ability. Song is not quite in the same league as Viera but he is aware of his role in the side and is providing the sort of cover to the back four that they've been crying out for.

3) Mixing it up

The signing of Chamakh and the continued development of Theo Walcott has given the manager extra dimensions in attack. Chamakh is lethal in the air and has provided a much needed target to the wingers and full backs looking to cross the ball. Walcotts pace allows Arsenal to get in behind defences and really stretch ageing centre backs. Away from home it has been and will be vital as Arsenal soak up pressure and then ruthlessly counter attack. Nasri and Arshavin's trickery act as alternatives to Walcotts pace ,with the former being in outstanding form this year.

4) Squad Depth

In all areas the squad has got deeper in both quantity and quality. As previously mentioned Wenger has a group of defenders to choose from now and is not as disrupted by the odd injury to one of his centre backs. Jack Wilshere has shown that he is ready to start on a regular basis, with Denilson and a fit again Abou Diaby to provide cover for both him and Fabregas. In the wide areas Arshavin, Nasri and Walcott have all shown something different, whilst Emmanual Eboue has filled a gap when necessary. Finally the addition of Chamakh has given Wenger other options and the longer that Robin Van Persie stays fit, the longer Arsenal will stay in the hunt. Add Bendtner and Vela into that mix and you have a very impressive squad capable of winning the title.

5) Away form

What was once the achilles heel, are now the matches Arsenal are most successful in. In previous seasons Arsenal have struggled to get points and win away from home, especially at clubs further north. This season is another matter entirely. Wins at Aston Villa, Everton, Wolves, Manchester City and Blackburn on their travels show the steely resolve that Wenger has instilled in this group of players.

Victory is Ours!

Now here are three reasons why...

1) We played Test Cricket as it's meant to be played.

Discipline is the name of the game and England have been the epitome of the word. Bar the minor blip in Adelaide, the top order have been impeccable in their judgement and the contributions of Cook and Trott were vital in setting the platform for the victories thus far. The phrase 'if you leave the ball well, you'll bat well' has never rung more true and the likes of Watson, Hughes, Clarke should take note. Time after time, loose drives and an inability to leave the ball properly has seen Australian innings crumble and England gain the upper hand.

But it hasn't just been the batting.

Throughout the series the bowling attack have hit their lengths consistently, stuck to the meticulous plans set out by Strauss and Flower and remained un-moved from the sort of nagging lines that an opposition wakes up in cold sweats to. In stark contrast Australia have sprayed it; there is no other way around it. Johnson, despite bowling a magnificent spell in the Aussies convincing win, has been all over the place and looks like a cricketer on the verge of a breakdown. Hilfenhaus has been uncharacteristically loose and, through no fault of his own, Pointing has been unable to build any sort of pressure on any of the England batsman.

2) Catches win matches.

Without taking them you aren't taking 20 wickets. England were brilliant in the field and Australia were far from it. It was mentioned before the series started that Strauss and his slip cordon were far superior to their opposition and they didn't disappoint. The captain, Swann and Collingwood were excellent off both seam and spin, whilst Pietersen had an impressive series at Gully. Obviously Collingwoods catch off Pointing is the pick of the bunch and will live long in the memory but it was the way in which the cordon snaffled the regulation chances that was important.

3) Englands replacements have been outstanding

Chris Tremlett and Tim Bresnan: take a bow. Both made Ashes debuts and both were exceptional. Tremlett, picked after an outstanding year on the Domestic scene, was faultless in the loss in Adelaide (picking up 8 wickets) and continued his form in Melbourne. He caused all manner of problems for the Aussies and out-bowled the man he replaced, Stuart Broad. Bresnan was equally brilliant in Melbourne and answered all his critics (including myself). Evidently more than just a 'county trundler', the Yorkshireman bowled beautifully in both Australias' innings and got just reward for his un-erring accuracy. What was so pleasing was that England weren't affected by the loss of Broad or the fatigue of Finn. We were actually strengthened by the changes and the use of fresh seamers in Australian conditions was a blessing.

Blocking the Path of the Future

Imports. Contentious aren't they?

In this country Football and Rugby League are two sports that attract and play host to foreign sportsmen from around the globe. Critics of the Premier League and Super League have identified the need to reduce the number of overseas imports in the game. But, are they beneficial? Do they raise the standards and improve our youngsters? Or, are our imports blocking the way of domestic talent?

Take the English Premier League. Arguably the greatest Football league in the World, the top flight in England is home to the most talented footballers from every continent and provides fans with a spectacle unrivalled. Players like Tevez, Drogba and Fabregas grace our league with skills and performances that dazzle our fans and media. But, it isn't that brand of footballer that's the problem. Those World Class performers enhance our game, they raise the standard of the football and our young players learn from them, no end. Our problem is the quantity of the foreign players in the league. Is Lucas that much better than Jay Spearing? Will Kieran Gibbs's career stall because of Gael Clichy? Does Javier Hernandez have that much more quality than Danny Welbeck? Just a few examples at the bigger clubs in the Premier League, but the same theme runs across the board.

The same problems exist in British Rugby League, but they are even more pronounced. A typical import to the English game is Australian, in his late 20's/early 30's, over-the-hill and finished in the representative game. There are exceptions, there are some brilliant exceptions, but they are few and far between. It couldn't be more frustrating to watch average imports hold on to places and positions that should be filled by hungry British Rugby players. The national teams problem positions are in the outside backs and yet you'd be hard pressed to name 25 players starting in those positions in the Super League that qualify to play for England. Now there are some other serious problems in the top tier of the British game, namely the standard of coaching, but the number of foreign players is undoubtedly hindering the chances of youth coming to the fore. England Academy recently beat their Australian counterparts in a two match Test series and certain players clearly emerged with the necessary quality to hold their own on at the highest level. But will they get their chance? Will it be too late when they finally are blooded?

How can young players fulfill their potential and develop themselves if they aren't exposed to the highest level? There is only so much that somebody can learn by being the understudy to a more experienced professional. Clearly the classier individuals are worth their place and definitely add to not only the standard but also the development of youngsters. Nobody minds the Didier Drogba's and Brett Finch's of this world. This isn't a complaint about a Cesc Fabregas or Michael Monaghan. They aren't the issue.

But Lucas Leiva? Javier Hernandez? Blake Green? Brett Delaney? These guys aren't world beaters, they aren't going to significantly add to the game. They are hard working professionals who have been offered the opportunity to work in England and earn a good living. They aren't to blame. But they are blocking the path of our future internationals and they are reducing the pool of athletes who could be selected for the national team.

If we want international success then the domestic scene of both these sports needs to be restructured. Domestic cricket has limits on the number of overseas players involved in the game and look at the success of the England cricket team. Why can't Football and Rugby League follow suit? Why can't Arsenal or Chelsea stick to four or five quality overseas players and then make the rest of the side up with homegrown footballers?

The standards might drop for a short period. That is pretty undeniable as clubs tried to adjust to the changes and young players were thrust into the highest level. But the changes would force clubs to invest in youth whilst improving and innovating their coaching standards. England would benefit in the long run, our national sides would be more competitive and fans would get to watch home grown players fight for their side. It makes sense doesn't it?

Defending the defendable

The growing clamour to drop Paul Collingwood is worrying. Once again the Durham all-rounder finds himself under increasing pressure to keep his place in the England team; a position not uncommon for 'Colly'.

Averaging only 15 with the bat and sparingly used with the ball, Collingwood's role in this Ashes series has been limited to catching bullets in the slips and acting as an experienced influence to some of the younger tour party members.

Journalists circle round in a vulture-like fashion bombarding England teammates with questions designed for that one slip; that one indication that support in the camp for Paul has switched, that he doesn't bring enough to the 'party' anymore or that he isn't dealing well with the Ashes pressure.

But his teammates stand firm, and with good reason. To drop Collingwood would be grossly unjust and more damaging than helpful to the England team. Here is a man with a proven track record, a cricketer who has fought 'tooth and nail' to play on the grandest stage of them all and achieve. Forget the recent run of form, forget how he resembles a crab when he bats; just remember this...

Paul Collingwood is proven.

Paul Collingwood is a winner.

Paul Collingwood has 10 Test Match hundreds to his name

Paul Collingwood averages over 40 in Test Match Cricket

Paul Collingwood has scored a Test Match double hundred in Australia against a far superior team than the current crop.

That is enough for me.

Add in that he's the world's best fielder and very handy medium pace bowler (useful in the Australian heat). Need I say more.

If he's given the chance to carry on in Melbourne and then Sydney, 'Colly' will let no-one down.

Streets Ahead...

Cast your minds back to this recent series of Rugby Union Autumn Internationals....

Yes I know this post might seem a little irrelevant and a bit late but nonetheless the matches between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres certainly provided us with food for thought.

Only England and Scotland managed to post victories over any of the Tri-Nations and, although Wales and Ireland pushed them close, at times it looked like neither South Africa, Australia or New Zealand got out of second gear.

What really struck me though was the All Blacks.

I know anybody sitting reading this will tell me that they are 'chokers' and that they historically 'peak too early' but I'm going to be bold with my prediction at this early stage. They WILL win the World Cup at home.

Not only are they streets ahead of the rest in terms of player resources, their tactics and skills in the recent International matches were absolutely outstanding. Okay, so it helps if Dan Carter is your fly-half and Richie McCaw is your Captain but if we stop and look at a few other things it becomes clearer to why they were so dominant.

At the breakdown they were brutal and at set-piece they surprised and outscrummaged most but i want to specifically pick up on a couple of points.

1) The Offload

The offload isn't just all about keeping the 'ball alive', that is far too simplistic a description. Where the All Blacks were able to rip teams apart was in their timing of the offload from the ball carrier and the angles that the reciever picked. What troubles an opposition defence is marking other players when their focus is on the man in possession. Take New Zealand's first try against England. When the ball is spun wide off the top of the lineout each England defender can easily pick his man up and Tindall is drawn towards Sonny Bill-Williams. It's then when Sonny is able to get his arms free that the problems are posed. Both the full-back and the winger can recieve the pass from the outside center and have the opportunity to pick an angle from a deeper position. Another defender is drawn to the ball carrier to stop either the offload or a continued carry and that frees up space for the three-quarters.

Now this isn't all about Sonny Bill. He undoubtedly has brought those skills from his Rugby League background, but this was across the board, this was every player on the pitch willing to not only chance the offload but time it.

2) Defence

I'm not just talking about your typical All Black impenetrable 'wall', brutal and all-consuming. I'm talking about their focus on the ball. The growing trend in Rugby Union is to carry the ball in one hand and because players are not protected from having possession stripped they risk having it done to them on a regular basis. Time and time again the howls of British supporters were heard over their teams inability to keep hold of the ball against New Zealand. It's not a coincidence though. After watching each side that the All Blacks faced repeatedly turn over the ball, I started to notice the emphasis that they placed on getting two men in the tackle; one high and one low. Graham Henry and his defence coach have focused on stripping the ball from the opposition and dangerously counter-attacking from the resulting turnover.

Now, you might argue that these are two simple and minor reasons behind their success. That really any team containing Carter, McCaw, Reid, Nonu, Muliaina etc... should be winning every match that they play. But, I'd argue differently. It's this sort of attention to detail, it's this sort of Rugby evolution that differentiates the best from the very good and it's this sort of innovative thinking that will see Richie lift that Web-Ellis trophy in 2011.

Strength in the Face of Adversity

The respective performances of Mitchell Johnson and Chris Tremlett in the Perth Test Match serve as a reminder of the difficulties that professional sportspeople go through to achieve success. The two pace - bowlers have different stories, filled with trials and tribulations, but have one important thing in common; they've both bounced back and they've both done it in style.

The way in which Mitchell Johnson has performed in the Third Test Match of this Ashes series is nothing short of remarkable.

Having been dropped after giving an astonishingly erratic account of himself in Brisbane, journalists, fans, ex - players and pundits all lined up to berate Johnson and it looked as if the Australian public had fallen out of love with the tattooed Queenslander.

His exclusion from the Second Test Match was contentious and he reportedly was furious at his omission from the side. Cricket Australia then refused him the opportunity of playing state cricket during the Adelaide match (instead he carried the drinks and completed twelfth man duties) leaving Johnson dejected and kicking his heels.

So how in such a short space of time has Johnson turned it all around?

A self belief bordering on delusion, a confidence which most would describe as arrogance and an exuberance surpassed by none has seen Mitchell drag himself off the canvas, dust himself down and put in a performance similar to that when he was the World's best in 2009.

Whilst Johnson's recovery has come in a relatively short period of time, Chris Tremlett's return to Test Cricket has been a much longer and drawn out affair.

Tremlett first played International Cricket back in 2005, and made his Test Match debut in 2007 against India. He was a cricketer with considerable ability, blessed with height and a frame that most pace bowlers would die for.

What Tremlett lacked was fitness.

Plagued by injury after making his debut for England, the former-Hampshire paceman struggled to gain any sort of consistency in his cricket and his International career was as good as written off until he joined Surrey for the 2010 season.

The move sparked a run of form that saw Tremlett catapulted back into the media eye, complete an injury free season and gain selection for the Ashes tour. All of a sudden the 6"8 giant was being touted as England's number one back up bowler and when Stuart Broad was ruled out for the rest of the tour, Tremlett was first in line to replace him.

His performance in Perth, not only reminded us of his considerable talent, but was the perfect example of somebody grabbing their opportunity and making it count.

These examples illustrate the determination that we find in sportsmen desperate to succeed. They put to shame the people who let their talent go to waste, who under-achieve, who don't have the fight or the desire. Both Tremlett and Johnson are talented beyond belief (nobody questions that) but their stories reflect the kind of people that they have become.

Live and Learn

I've learnt a few things over the last few days.

1) Don't ever write off Australian cricket teams

2) Don't forget that a wounded animal is the most dangerous

3) Don't tempt fate by claiming England are going to regain the Ashes after one victory

4) Don't count on England to adapt to Australian conditions

5) Don't be so naive in future

Thoughts of a typical, and cynical, Englishman

This morning, England wrapped up their inevitable innings defeat of Australia in the second Ashes Test Match at the Adelaide Oval.

The margin of defeat is incredible, the Aussie's have been well and truly smashed and for the first time in 20 years England are hot favourites to retain the Ashes down under.

England were outstanding in all three departments on every day of the Test Match and the gap between the two sides is fast becoming embarrasing for the Australian nation.

Which leaves me to wonder; Is this victory and the remaining series marred by the quality of the Australian team?

Maybe it's a little harsh on England's effort? Maybe we should be revelling in the dominant performances of Andrew Strauss and his men? Maybe I'm being premature?

BUT, I can't help the nagging feeling in the back of my mind, which keeps saying to me 'there is no McGrath, there is no Warne or Langer or Hayden or Gilchrist or...'.

I know Cricket moves on, I know England have improved and I know different sides have dominant era's and then generally fall from grace. It just seems that Australia's has been at an alarming rate.

Warne and McGrath were irreplaceable, Gilchrist was a one in a million cricketer and Langer and Hayden formed one of the most formidable opening partnerships in contemporary Cricket. I'm not denying replacing them was a near impossible task, I'm just looking in an un-biased manner at the players that have come in to fill their shoes and I'm worried that their lack of quality degrades England's victories.

Is Graeme Swann in the same league as Warne? Is Anderson close to McGrath? Prior up against Gilchrist?

Just a few questions I'm asking myself.

Mike Ashley: The most deluded man in Football

Astounded. That is the word that most Football followers would use on a day like today. News of Mike Ashley's incredible decision to sack Chris Hughton from his position as Newcastle manager has left most people shocked and many angry.

Hughton, aged 51, was given the news of his dismissal following his sides 3-1 loss away to West Brom at the weekend. Currently positioned in 11th, Newcastle and Ashley will now begin the search for his replacment to supposedly stop the club from falling back into the Championship.

It seems that the owner has missed some of Hughton's achievements as manager of the club so I will list them here in an factual manner:

2009/2010 Season

Appointed permanent manager of Newcastle United Football Club

Championship Manager of the Month: August, September, November and April

Newcastle complete promotion in April 2010 and finish 1st in the league.

Newcastle unbeaten at home (including cup competitions) for the 2009-2010 season.

Newcastle lose only 4 games out of 46 in the Championship

2010-2011

Newcastle return to the Premier League

Newcastle complete wins over Aston Villa, Arsenal (at the Emirates), West Ham and Everton in the league.

Newcastle beat Sunderland 5-1 in the Tyne-Wear Derby

Newcastle draw with Chelsea in the league.

Newcastle beat Chelsea in the Carling Cup (at Stamford Bridge) before being knocked out by Arsenal

When Hughton is sacked, Newcastle sit 11th in the Premier League ahead of Liverpool.

These are the facts, now I will have my say.

Not only did Chris Hughton return United to the Premier League at the first time of asking, he did it in record time, he did it with the same 'hopeless' group of players that were relegated and he did it in an incredibly short space of time.

Following promotion, Hughton wasn't given outrageous investment (only signing Tiote, Ben Arfa who is injured and Campbell and Gosling on free transfers) and for the most part kept the same squad that were successful in the Championship

To then have Newcastle mid-table in their first season back in the top-flight, along with wins over Arsenal and the thrashing of Sunderland at home, is an outstanding achievement and has been completely overlooked by the short-sighted and deluded Ashley.

Hughton, has been instrumental in resurrecting the careers of Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique, developing Andy Carroll to a point where he has been selected for England and introducing the talented young Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul.

Hughton hasn't been given a huge transfer kitty, he didn't inherit many 'Premier League' standard footballers and yet he was able to completely turn the side round.

If Newcastle honestly believe that sacking Hughton is a positive step in fighting for survival then they are incredibly mistaken. The irony is that their chances of survival have just dipped quite considerably following Hughton's dismissal.

Unless Mike Ashley has Jose Mourinho or Pepe Guardiola's signature already down on paper, then this represents the strangest and most ridiculous footballing decision from recent memory.

Preview: Adelaide Test Match

The last two days at the Gabba has taught us a lot. England have proved their Test Match grit whilst Australia have shown us that they are confused; not just in their selections but in their plans and strategies.

The fightback from the England top order, helped in part by a rapidly flattening pitch, showed that they won't be overrawed by the occasion and it also exposed the frailty of the Australian bowling attack.

Alarmingly for Ricky Pointing, only Peter Siddle was able to find any sort of rhythm when Australia took to the field. Johnson, Hilfenhaus and Doherty all struggled to bowl consistently in the right areas and were unable to create pressure on an England side fighting to save the Test Match.

So to Adelaide....

England are likely to remain with the same side. Some have suggested that Ajmal Shazad might have come into the team because of his dangerous ability when reverse swing comes into play, but it would be very harsh to displace any of the current seamers who all showed some promise in Brisbane.

On the other hand, Australia have got problems. In the batting ranks Clarke, despite being passed fit, looked very uncomfortable at the Gabba and should not be playing in the second Test Match. North looks completely out of nick and is only saved by his more than useful part-time off-spin.

What's so disconcerting for the Australian fans, selectors, coaching staff, players, nation etc... is not the batting, but the bowling. Johnson was abysmal, completely shot of confidence and will be replaced by Bollinger. Hilfenhaus bowled poorly, looks ineffective on Australian surfaces but his new ball bowling could be his saving grace. If not, then Ryan Harris will come into the side but there are question marks over whether his knees can withstand five days of intense cricket. Finally, in the spin department the selectors had a shocker in Brisbane. There was absolutely no justification from Xavier Doherty's performance to suggest that he should have played instead of Nathan Hauritz. Doherty tried hard and did extract some turn, but failed to bowl a consistent line and length throughout and released any pressure built on the England batsman. Hauritz, harshly treated, should return immediately.

Here are my selections for Adelaide:

Australia

Shane Watson
Simon Katich
Ricky Pointing
Michael Clarke (Only because i don't really see an alternative)
Michael Hussey
Marcus North (Only because i don't really see an alternative)
Brad Haddin
Nathan Hauritz
Ben Hilfenhaus
Doug Bollinger
Peter Siddle

Woah that is a long old tail....

England

Andrew Strauss
Alastair Cook
Jonathan Trott
Kevin Pietersen
Paul Collingwood
Ian Bell
Matt Prior
Stuart Broad
Graeme Swann
James Anderson
Steven Finn

Prediction: If England win the toss, they win the match. If Australia win the toss, a bore draw.

First Test Match Ratings - England

And here are England,

Andrew Strauss - Excellent hundred in the second innings paved over the first innings failure. Looked very comfortable and led the second innings fightback with real leadership. Will take heart going to Adelaide, both form his batting and his side's determination.

8

Alastair Cook - Question marks over Cook? No chance. A record breaking performance for the Essex man, with a gutsy half century in the first innings and an outstanding show of concentration, determination and skill in the second for his double-century. Man of the Match

10

Jonathan Trott - Loose in the first innings, Trott scored a positive hundred in the second off the back of the platform set by the opening pair. Will be one of the key figures during this series and his ability to get under the skin of the hosts makes him one of England's most valuable assets.

8

Kevin Pietersen - Will be seriously disappointed that he didn't go on and get a big score after reaching 40 on the first day. Another loose shot from Kevin undoes all the hard work and question marks still hang over his form. Still think he'll be England's main man in this series and his ability to turn a match on its head in the space of two hours still makes him Australia's prize wicket.

6

Paul Collingwood - Collingwood will be delighted to get to Adelaide, the scene of his Ashes double hundred, after having a Test Match that is best forgotten. Australia will target his weakness driving on the offside throughout this series and it will be up to the Durham man to counter and grind out results as we know he can. Took a couple of sharp slip catches and his back-up bowling is invaluable.

4

Ian Bell - Far and away England's best batsman in the first innings, Bell would have surely gone on to complete his ton if it wasn't for batting with the tail. Looked fluent on front and back foot, Bell looks comfortable in his lower middle order role and seems to have got over his Ashes demons. Really impressive display.

7

Matt Prior - Loose shot in his only innings was softened by the fact that it was his first ball. The Australians are afraid of Prior and so they should be. Aggressive cricketer, who has sorted out his 'keeping deficiences and kept well in this game. Will be a real dangerman, especially as the pitches get faster.

5

Stuart Broad - Bowled well without much luck in the first innings. Perhaps didn't quite work out the right length on this pitch and every England fan is desperate to see the young pace bowler repeat 'that spell' from the Oval just over a year ago. Still he'll be very useful as the series goes on and the Australian's are genuinely wary of not only his talent, but also his competitive nature. At the end of an awe-inspiring Siddle hat-trick with the bat.

6

Graeme Swann - Didn't have his finest game in the Test Match Arena. Australia put alot of pressure on Swann, and in particular Hussey used his feet to great effect. Swann over compensated by dropping too short and he'll be looking to find his best form going into Adelaide. Write him off at your peril.

4

James Anderson - Bowled one of the least lucky spells that I've ever witnessed with the second new ball in Australia's first innings. Despite Finn's impressive figures the Burnley paceman was England's best bowler and answered some of the worries about his style of bowling in Australia. Excellent control throughout the game and if he continues in this vein of form he should pick up a few more scalps.

8

Steven Finn - Ended up with very good figures from the first innings showing that perserverance pays off. Mopped up the tail nicely which will give him confidence going into Adelaide. Not quite sure he bowled as well as his figures suggest but he'll only get better as he gets used to the Ashes experience and the pitches get harder and quicker. Much more to come from Finn

7