Blogs Ashes 2009, 3rd test match: both squads look for fresh faces
July 24th, 2009 by punterThe third, and in a large way the deciding, test match of the series is upon England and Australia. Both the teams are struggling to find the right combination for this crucial encounter. Australia realizes that a draw or a loss here would put them beyond the realm of having a reasonable chance to retain the coveted Ashes. For England, the problem has been compounded by the health of KP. I don’t say injury because it is more of a mental thing affecting his physical conditioning, right now. In all probability, Ian Bell would have to replace him and though Bell does look, like a good test match batsman, he doesn’t have half the flair that KP does. However, more than flair, what England wants right now is someone at Pietersen’s place to score runs, to strengthen the middle order. Australia on the other hand is facing problems with its openers. An interesting proposition has come up in the form of Watson who has opened the batting in the one-dayers and is a very useful bowler. Given Hughes susceptibility to the bouncing ball, Watson may walk into his boots.
