A year ago, England’s 2023 Ashes hopes looked dead in the water – now they might just edge Australia if they can keep their bowling attack fit, writes Richedwards0803 🏏 via iPaperSport
Given the strength of their batting line-up, it’s perhaps harsh to question this Australian top six but, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne apart, it’s still one that’s largely unproven in English conditions. David Warner averaged just 9.50 here in 2019, while Travis Head and Usman Khawaja consistently struggled against the moving ball. All three have filled their boots on home soil but batting against the Dukes ball under leaden English skies is a different challenge entirely.
The issue for England is working out where the other wickets are going to come from. England desperately need Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson to stay fit. The former brings much-needed pace to this attack, while Robinson’s metronomic accuracy has proved a challenge for every side he has come up against – home and away. Any injuries to England’s front-line attack could prove hugely problematical.
England’s spin cupboard is hardly full to bursting either. Jack Leach has been an integral part of their Test revolution, whilemade a dramatic entrance in the final Test of England’s series against Pakistan. The latter will find English conditions far less helpful, while Leach is unlikely to have as big an impact on the series as Lyon. If England are to keep the Aussies on the back foot, then they need the fitness gods to be in a forgiving mood.
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