What was supposed to be a warm-up two-Test New Zealand tour has, for England, dampened their confidence ahead of the Ashes. For Australia, it's raised ours. After coming out of a comfortable series win in India, England were expected to roll New Zealand out of the way in two series against the other antipodeans, before triumphing in the Ashes over an embarassed Australia - the glittering ruby atop the trophy of England's cricketing glories. But the underdog Kiwis, like the feisty Jack Russel, have put up a laudable fight, nearly prevailing over England at home, and now frustrating their hopes again at Lord's.
New Zealand have bowled splendidly so far in the First Test at Lord's, revealing the England team's soft spots ahead of the Ashes. A victory in this Test is certainly not off the table. This supporter of the "worst Australian team since 1877" should be heartened to see England being tripped up - indeed, softened up - by the Kiwis, as should all Australian fans. Especially as the Australian Ashes squad is nowhere near as bad as everyone, not least the English, is making it out to be. We have a squadron of skilled pace bowlers, albeit some of them inexperienced in international cricket, who have the capacity to wreak havoc in English conditions. If England's performance in this Test against New Zealand is any indicator, we should have few problems taking wickets. Defending our own will need to be our focus.
No comments:
Post a Comment