Adelaide

Adelaide is, by common consent, the most attractive Australia test ground, having more in common with a traditionally English ground like New Road than with the colossus that is the MCG. Looks can be deceptive however, for this was the scene of the most explosive test in Anglo-Australian history, the third of the 1932/3 Bodyline series, when Bill Woodfull famously observed that ‘there are two teams out there and only one of them is playing cricket’.

The ghosts of Harold Larwood, Bill Voce and Bertie Oldfield were truly laid to rest in 2006, however, when England, having started the test superbly, contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of, well, at least a draw, a result which sent them into freefall. Mention Adelaide to an England supporter now and they will probably flinch involuntarily before making their excuses and leaving.

That, however, was then and this is now. Shane Warne, England’s tormentor in chief four years ago, is now happily settled in the old boys’ club of the commentary box and there is a spring in the step of this England side that was sorely missing in 2006/7. Professional sportsmen, of course, are much better at compartmentalising their feelings about their sport than fans and so Adelaide almost certainly doesn’t have the same resonance for them as it does for those of us who sat helplessly through the capitulation, swearing from our sofas, but even so they will be relieved to be arriving at 0-0 with all of the talk about the shortcomings of their opponents.

This has been the key outcome of the last two days at Brisbane. It was important to save the test and avoid going one down, but to do so in such emphatic style has heaped the pressure back on Australia, an outcome that would have been unthinkable as the players endured their ice baths at the end of the third day. At that point, Alastair Cook was still under pressure, Jonathan Trott had yet to make a test century outside London and Mitchell Johnson was still a credible test cricketer. How quickly times can change – it is only a week since Mike Hussey’s career, also, was on the point of ending, but now he seems to be back in his role as the rock of the middle order.

So, what will Adelaide bring? The pitch is generally pretty flat and unforgiving for bowlers, although there has been talk of turn there this season which should please Graeme Swann, assuming that he can get his length right. It should be hard work for the pacemen, however, which has prompted calls in some quarters for England to add either Shahzad or Bresnan to their side in preference to Paul Collingwood. While I can see the merit in this suggestion, I would be very surprised to see anything other than the same side taking the field in South Australia.

Australia’s selection will be altogether more interesting. There have been reports of the dropping of Mitchell Johnson, although these remain unconfirmed and he has had support from his coach and from former selector Mrev Hughes. There is also talk of the omission of Ben Hilfenhaus in favour of Ryan Harris. What seems certain, though, is that both North and Doherty will keep their places, although for how long remains to be seen. A pace attack of Harris, Bollinger and Siddle would certainly seem to carry more wicket taking threat than at Brisbane, although Harris has dodgy knees and it might leave them with rather a long tail.

Much, ultimately, will depend on which side can take the opportunities that are presented to them and hold their nerve. England created half chances on each of the first two days at Brisbane, only to be swept away first by Peter Siddle and then by the Hussey / Haddin partnership, but they then showed immense nerve to save the game in the style that they did, no matter how flat the pitch was. Australia, on the other hand, did exceptionally well to snuff out England on the first three days, but then fell to pieces. If they can sustain their undoubted talent over the whole five days then they will be formidable, but England will also feel that if they can create pressure then the match is theirs for the taking. It’s going to be fascinating.

If I had to put money on it then I would go for a draw (although that would blow my pre-series prediction out of the water) but my heart, and a small part of my head, is saying England. Bring it on.