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.
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