2009 Ashes, 4th Test, Day 1: The Ashes moment of truth

So we come to it. Crunch time. The moment of truth. The Headingley Test that will decide the Ashes. Well, that is unless Australia win or its a draw or a tie, in which case the Ashes will be decided at the Oval. So there's 25% chance that the Ashes will be decided over the next 5 days.

My prediction? If the ball swings like it did in the first innings at Edgbaston, it'll be an eye gouging, blood letting dog fight that could go either way. If the ball fails to swing like it did in the second innings at Edgbaston, Australia will bat England out of the game. Then the only question will be whether we can take 20 wickets. Hopefully the selectors won't continue to plod along with the same bowling attack as the first 3 Tests. Bring in Clark for Hauritz or Siddle - preferably Hauritz. I'd even bring in Bing but I can't see that happening just yet.

England's chances lie in the reverse swinging hands of James Anderson and Graham Onions. Or as we call him in Australia, Graham Ungyuns. When Anderson swings the ball, he can decimate a batting line-up. When he doesn't move the ball, he looks pretty ordinary. Australians will be hoping for the latter.

UPDATE: Apparently Freddie has been ruled out. One might argue that the fact that England is playing without their two best players, KP and Freddie, might tarnish the result if Australia win the Ashes. From an Australian point of view, let me assure everyone that all Australians are okay with it and won't be knocking back the urn however it comes our way.

Posted by JC on Fri 7 Aug

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