At the end of another rollercoaster week for international cricket, we’ve seen events take place that will shape the four remaining tests in this winter’s Ashes series, and with it, the teams entered into Trent Bridge’s Fantasy Ashes.
The biggest news, of course, was hat of Jonathan Trott’s return to England with a stress-related illness. His sad departure will be a big blow to England, and also those who had identified his run-scoring ability as central to their team’s efforts.
While he will be keenly missed, his health is paramount, and we wish him well in his recovery. The one positive to come from the events, is that it will afford another player an opportunity to make an impact on the Ashes. Possible names touted as Trott’s replacement include Gary Ballance and Jonny Bairstow, both wildcard entries in the competition.
Their entry, and if they make an impression in Adelaide, could mean sweeping changes across our table. The loss of Trott is likely to see Joe Root restored to nearer the top of the order, and a different approach for the young Yorkshireman. He has shown diversity in style and batting position, and can be relied upon to score runs wherever he bats.
Joe Root becoming England's youngest ever Ashes centurion
With all eyes on Adelaide, it seems to be popular opinion that the square will offer a lot less to the hostile Australian pace bowlers than the Gabba. With Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Broad leading the points tally after the first Test, its likely that we could see a bit more movement for the spinners, and more points to the English batsmen who failed to fire in Brisbane.
Ones to watch:
It seems almost silly to say, but we’d like to back our very own Graeme Swann to perform in Adelaide. On the receiving end of two ducks at the Gabba, he’ll be looking to impress with the bat, and if the pitch is offering little for the seamers, expect him to be in the wickets, too.
David Warner looked back to his best at the Gabba, his second-innings century exposing the England attack well. He’s a man in form, and full of confidence, and we expect it to continue.
It’s not too late to submit your team to our Fantasy Ashes game, with spot prizes still to play for, and an iPad for the eventual winner. Enter your team here.
Teams can be submitted before 10pm on the night of the Second Test (two hours before play starts on day one), but will receive a score of 0 for the first Test.