Australia are a few good tests away from winning an away series in England for the first time I can remember. A fine performance in the first test was followed by a drawn second test where victory was still in reach on the start of Day 5.
However, these successes have come mostly off the back of our bowlers and Steve Smith.
Here I will discuss the playing XI's performance so far, focusing mostly on the batting lineup.
- Cameron Bancroft - A very disappointing performance for the batsman. He has not scored above 20 in this series so far, and whilst he has seen many balls faced, and spent quite some time at the crease, has failed to capitalise on these innings. Furthermore, his technique seems to have a number of flaws that suggest he is not long for this team. He should be looking over his shoulder at Harris and Burns, and needs to have an impact in the third test.
- David Warner - Coming off a successful world cup campaign with a number of good scores to his name, he has runs in the bank to back up his inclusion. Unfortunately, he has not had any impact on this series so far, having not even scored above 10 runs in either match. Whilst he certainly has some brownie points from his world cup performance, he needs to start making scores, or he too is in danger of being dropped.
- Usman Khawaja - Some encouraging signs, to be sure, but he has still been very disappointing. As a senior, experienced member of the squad, he has been performing below expectations. Whilst not in any immediate danger of being dropped, needs to lift for the remainder of the series.
- Smith/Labuschagne - Steve Smith has been the main run-getter for the team so far, and is in no danger whatsoever of being dropped if able to play. However, for the third test there is a question mark over his health. Surprisingly, Labuschagne has risen to the task, scoring in one innings more than Bancroft or Warner. Having performed well in other games, there should be no doubt to his place if Smith is unavailable.
- Travis Head - Another bright spot for the batting lineup, Head has scored a total of 135 (I think) runs in the series so far, creating vital partnerships with Smith and Labuschagne. He has also been not out twice in this series. However, his conversion rate is still somewhat worrying, with five 50s but only one century. Still, has certainly proven he has what it takes, and is an exciting prospect for the future.
- Matt Wade - Has certainly justified his inclusion so far, having scored a century in the second innings of the First Test. However, he has failed to hit double figures on three other occasions. Whilst not in the firing line, Some more consistency and ability to stick it out when the innings have gotten dicey would be on the top of his to-do list.
- Tim Paine - Tim Paine holds an interesting place in the team, being not especially successful. However, he has played well enough, making some useful runs and working well in partnerships. His place as captain means he is essentially undroppable for the series, but no matter whether he brings the Ashes home or not, his term as captain, or even member of the playing XI, could conceivably be in doubt (although he is far from the first priority)
- Pat Cummins - Along with Lyons, he is probably the bowler least likely to be dropped or substituted. He has been rocketing up the test rankings, and is good with both bat and ball. In no danger whatsoever.
- Nathan Lyons - Whilst his skills were not suited to the second test, with the pitch having about three days worth of play on its surface, he still bowled well, taking three wickets in the first innings and being unlucky not to have any in the second.
- Josh "Hazlewood" Hazlewood - Replacing the fatigued Pattinson for the second test, he justified himself with three vital wickets in the first innings. However, he may be dropped to make room for the rested Pattinson, who has incumbency status.
- Peter Siddle - Siddle's figures may not make for interesting reading, but he has bowled far better than his figures. Unlucky not to have more wickets than he has done, he has been the main victim of fielding woes. He has bowled very well, but may be dropped to make room for Pattinson if the selectors decide Hazlewood is better for the conditions.
Honourable Mention. Mitchell Starc - Starc is one of the bowlers many would have expected to see play, but it appears the selectors have made the right choice in selecting others. Unless one of the pitches is especially conducive to his style of bowling, it seems unlikely he will play in this series. However, if there is an injury to Cummins, Siddle or Pattinson he is certainly in contention to take the spot at the expense of Hazlewood.
Well, that is my analysis of the performance of our team so far, what do you think? Should anybody be dropped from the side, or should they be given another chance? Comments and criticism very welcome!
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