Flintoff fairytale gone awry?
Judhajit
25-Feb-2013
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The problem with trying to manufacture fairytales is that they can become scary stories. With Andrew Flintoff disappointing on the first day at The Oval, Malcolm Conn in the Courier Mail believes with plenty of bowling and probably some second-innings batting left for the allrounder in the match, he has ample opportunity to put his farewell back on track.
Whatever happens, Andrew Strauss will no doubt try to give himself time to take the wickets on the final day. The Oval has the reputation of providing a solid pitch, but things can happen quickly towards the end. Both Sri Lanka and South Africa have lost after passing 450 in their opening effort. Peter Roebuck, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, believes England can dictate the course of the contest.
Apart from anything else, the scoring is usually quick because the match is played at the end of summer, and by then the field is a little parched. Moreover, the regular and steepish bounce of the ball encourages shots off both feet and on both sides of the wicket. In short, England or Australia could score heavily and still find themselves under the pump. Draws are not inevitable until the bails have been collected for the final time.
If ever a team was going to play a spinner, it was on the surface prepared for the fifth and final Test. And Australia's decision to ignore spinner Nathan Hauritz despite a dry and dusty pitch at The Oval again highlights Australia's spinning conundrum. Malcolm Conn has more in the Australian.
If England win the Ashes after scoring just one century in five Tests they will have got one of sport’s most cherished prizes at a bargain basement price. Which is why Robert Craddock in his blog on the Herald Sun website is hoping the Australians win.