North hits his straps, Hughes withers under the short ball

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It's a somewhat futile exercise micro-analysing the Australians' form in a single tour game, as if the destiny of the Ashes depends on a single innings. However, as the 1st Test doesn't start until for another 3 days, well, I've got nothing better to do. So what does Australia's tour game with the England lions tell us?

The good news is our two main form concerns, Mike Hussey and Marcus North, have found good form. In particular, North scored a mammoth 191 not out in the second digs - his last innings before the Test series. I can testify that nothing boosts confidence like a long innings out in the middle. Frankly, this innings is a relief. Australia had no #6 backup so North is all we've got.

Similarly, Mitchell Johnson came good in the dying sessions of the game taking several wickets while Brett Lee continues to show good bowling form. And perversely, I'm happy to see Nathan Hauritz put in a poor performance. I'm usually the first to bang the drum for spinners but Hauritz just doesn't cut it at Test level. It's hard to see him making more contribution than Lee, Siddle or Clark. Four quicks for Cardiff, I say.

Lastly, the one concern coming from the tour game was Phil Hughes' vulnerability to the short ball. The English bowling attack will be licking their lips at the prospect of a short ball barrage. However, I think Hughes will be okay - better to expose this weakness now and have a few days to work on it in the nets than in heat of Ashes battle. I'm eagerly anticipating the opening overs of the 1st Test, particularly if Australia bats. Could be another classic Ashes confrontation like Harmison pummelling the Aussie batsmen at Lords in 2005.

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Posted by JC on Sun 5 Jul

6 comments

Why wasn't Chris Rogers given another chance after his debut? His experience might have been a safer bet than Hughes in England. Although he did silence most critics after his performance in SA, lets hope he can do it again.

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Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2009-07-05 21:11:16

I think the idea was go for the younger guy, more of a long term solution. Risky but if it pays off, that's one opening position locked in for the next decade which frees Andrew Hilditch to concentrate on which other mediocre allrounder to shoehorn into the squad.

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Posted by JC on 2009-07-06 12:07:05

It should be a great game, really looking forward to the game, and watching it at work on SkyPlayer!

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Posted by moneymouth77 on 2009-07-06 22:57:09

Breaking news - according to Cricinfo Brett Lee is out of the first two Tests.

http://www.cricinfo.com/engvaus2009/content/current/story/412965.html

Shame for the series that - he was looking really good against the Lions, and, as an Englishman, he made an excellent impression during the 05 series - giving it his all and showing admirable sportsmanship. Shame that a good bloke should be so injury-plagued. Does that cement Hauritz's place?

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Posted by Rich on 2009-07-06 23:48:01

Honestley i could't have said it any better myself, I do feel sorry for Binga but i think everything happens for a resson and correct me if im wrong.

Injury's is something that can happen to any one. It's just unfortunet that it had to happen to Brett.

I do feel that without Lee there the bowling of Australia will definetley have to be tight ( as it always should be in every game played)

But it's a TEST and i believe that anything can happen in a test.

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