Ashes Test 2 Preview: Battle Begins Afresh on a Clean Slate

By Sreelata S. Yellamrazu

   If anything could epitomize how truly great a traditional sporting rivalry can be between two teams for the game, the first Test of the Ashes 2010 at the Gabba in Brisbane had plenty in it. However, the beauty about the game that restarts on Friday at the Adelaide Oval is that the second Test is effectively another first of its kind.

      Andrew Strauss, the England captain, is well aware of the importance of putting Gabba behind them and beginning with a renewed sense of purpose at the Adelaide Oval because England have given themselves a reprieve after starting on jangling nerves. Now that their self belief has been restored, England will stand a better chance taking nothing more than the belief at the conclusion of the fifth day’s play.

      

    England will also know that the Australia of the first Test will not be that of the second Test. Australia may look a worried lot to some because of their immediate decision to axe Mitchell Johnson but the think tank certainly believes they are being prudent and timely rather than wait and watch as another Test slips away. That they are not even willing to wait on one of the key members in the team in the past two years shows how important Australia feel that they be proactive against an England team that is showing the wherewithal to fight for draw when the possibility of defeat hangs heavy.

    For Australia with an unstable team line up, it appears their thinking borders on – what is there to lose? Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris are set to benefit from that decision. For England, it is all about adapatability because England are not designed for any knee jerk reactions with respect to their team. Rather their success at Adelaide will depend largely how they are able to convert the confidence from the first Test and also, cope with the change in personnel that Australia are throwing at them in the hope to unsettle them.

      Once more, the drama will get a new lease of life and the only remnants of the Gabba Test would be on how the teams take stock of what has happened and what it is they have to do as the Ashes urn beckons once more.