The body may be on its last legs but Flintoff is well and truly up for this particular Ashes series. A quick glance at his bowling speeds demonstrates that Flintoff is determined to enjoy his final few test matches. There are not many bowlers in World cricket who can bowl with such pace and hostility for long periods. The fact they are against Australia will make them extra special. He might have a few niggles but you would not notice due to his 90mph plus deliveries.
Winning an Ashes test for the first time in 75 years is highly significant. This is usually one English venue that inspires the Aussies and hampers the home side. On this occasion, nothing was further from the truth. England dominated this match from start to finish with the minor exception of some admirable resistance from Clarke and Haddin.
Not everything is rosy for England with concerns over Kevin Pietersen and his Achilles injury. If the problem persists, then an opportunity for Ian Bell or Rob Key will beckon. Both players would be determined to grasp an Ashes call up. If that happens, Michael Vaughan will privately be kicking himself for retiring. Bell would probably be the favourite as he has not been short of runs for his county since being dropped.
Graham Onions did not pull any trees up so the selectors might decide to go for the pace and hostility of Steve Harmison for the 3rd test at Edgbaston. Even though Harmy has had countless second chances his inclusion could be an inspired selection. Harmison has always been more effective at home. He may be considering calling it a day himself at some point at least where overseas tours are concerned. There is no better stage than the Ashes to call time on a test career. That could give him the perfect encouragement to produce his best performance.
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2 comments:
Flintoff was good - he is going to leave a big gap when he is gone.
I actually thought Onions did what was expected of him. Think he a better longer term bet than Harmison...
Harmison has his faults and he would be a short term selection compared to Onions. However, the Aussies would rather face Onions than Harmison all day which says it all. I would be tempted to pick him for Edgbaston and The Oval. With Flintoff bowling so well, it would be all the motivation Harmison needs. Admittedly it would be a tad unfair on Onions but hey this is a professional sport.
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