Sport - The Ashes 4th Test M.C.G (preview)

Redemption time?

Was Perth a blip? In just over a day we'll find out. Was it a blip in England's batting, a (positive) blip in Johnson's bowling - on his home ground? Time will tell.

I see this from two ways. The over-riding feeling being an England fan is one of pessimism, of 'here we go again', of despondency built up over a generation or more. Ponting will score a hundred even with a broken finger, Hussey will be relentless, Johnson has regained his form. The other side says hold on - Australia were unremittingly bad for 8 days on the trot, England scored 500-1, we can bat this lot out of the Ashes. Time will tell.

Collingwood looks set to retain his place. I hope he doesn't. He is in poor form, very poor form. Trott was introduced late on in a series back in England and hasn't looked back since. The same chance should be afforded to Morgan. I love Paul Collingwood. I wish it were he and not Bell who was making runs. But it isn't. Those big scores in 2008/9 are beginning to look like a heyday. If he's picked I hope he proves me wrong (and let's face it, he wouldn't be the first in this blog) but for me Morgan would be the better bet. The more runs you score the less chance the opposition have of winning. Two draws would suit England. And the pitch is alleged to be one that will flatten out after some possible first day shenanigans. They really should consider Morgan.

Australia are suddenly cock-a-hoop, none more so than Mitchell Johnson. Together with Hussey the local boys made good. For the moment I'm sticking with this theory. Hussey and Johnson all but won that match on their own and the pitch at Perth was obviously a bit different, 'unsuited' to the England batsmen if we're being kind. Johnson bowled well but I wouldn't bet heavily on that continuing. Harris has impressed more and looks to be a more consistent threat. But not that much of a threat. Nine wickets bolstered by the tail flattered even him. I stand by the feeling that this Australian bowling attack cannot take 20 wickets on a flat pitch. If England get lucky with the toss again they should be brave and bowl again (brave because apparently England have only won two tests ever in Australia this way).

12/5 with Skybet for the draw.