Pace has been a cornerstone of some of England’s most famous wins in this country: Harold Larwood in 1932-33, Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson in 1954-55 and Raymond Illingworth’s battery of fast bowlers in 1970-71.
The pace plan has been a long-term England strategy in the belief speedsters are the key to success in this country.
However, lately a new version of the Kookaburra ball on sporty pitches has made movement just as valuable a weapon. England might have been better off with James Anderson and Stuart Broad. Have the dastardly Aussies duped the Poms again?
The reception for the visiting team has been predictably hostile, bordering on puerile. England have faced questions on golf, moral victories and stumpings, while the front page of Thursday’s West Australian labelled them “arrogant Bazballing Poms”.
Australia’s players had avoided playing shots until Steve Smith’s rehearsed swipe at Monty Panesar. Surely the Australia captain has other things to think about the day before an Ashes Test than Monty’s performance on Mastermind.
Smith is standing in as captain for the injured Pat Cummins, who is regaining fitness after a back injury and looked ready to go in the nets this week.
There is an English perception that Australia are old and in disarray, yet they remain a fabulous cricket team.
Injuries to bowlers like Cummins and Josh Hazlewood would affect any team, though Australia have a knack of finding able substitutes. Jake Weatherald is the latest attempt to fill David Warner’s shoes at opener.
These two teams are evenly matched. Occasionally flakey across the top three, with their strongest batters at four and five. Both look strong in the pace department, at least when all are fully fit.
Australia undoubtedly have the edge when it comes to spin bowling, and Nathan Lyon has unfinished business after limping out of the 2023 series. Don’t be surprised if Garry the GOAT has a big say.
England are inexperienced in this country – only five have played a Test in Australia prior to this series. Whatever the result, pray Joe Root finally gets a hundred here, because no-one needs to see a naked Matthew Hayden striding around the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
There is an accepted wisdom England must start well, but it is depressing to think everyone should go home if the visitors lose in Perth. If any team could come from behind, it is Stokes’ men.
