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England will rely on its bowling strength

The Aussies will be confronted by a range of sharp swingers, writes Peter Roebuck

England’s main advantage in the forthcoming Ashes series lies with their bowling. Andrew Strauss’ team will bowl fewer holding overs than their opponents, rely less on part-timers and worry less about over-rates.

England’s captain will be able to choose between different means of attack, and can exploit weaknesses. Contrastingly Australia will depend on a proven batting order and a lively new ball attack.

It’s not a bad combination but it has its limitations. Ricky Ponting may not be an original or incisive tactician but he is constrained by his resources.

In 2005 England’s pace quartet bowled with hostility, pace and skill, troubling all the batsmen, particularly the left-handers; Steve Harmison, Simon Jones and Andrew Flintoff were formidable.

Now the Aussies will be confronted by a range of sharp swingers and probing spin. Whereas the 2005 epic was a back foot series, these antipodeans will be lured into driving at curling deliveries

Dangerous Anderson

Bursting with confidence after skittling out Warwickshire in the warm-up match, itself a shrewd innovation, James Anderson will lead the attack. His bustling action makes his movement hard to read and his line difficult to detect.

Stuart Broad is another optimistic bowler prepared to keep a full length in search of outside edges. Ryan Sidebottom, an accurate left-armer returning to the fray, and Graham Onions, a steady seamer, will compete for the third position with the lefty’s change of angle favoured provided he is fit.

Flintoff’s contribution will be pivotal because he alone can rattle bat handles. However, he’s shot of work and might lack rhythm. Strauss will be pleased to have such a vibrant pace attack under his command.

Moreover, the Australians can be shaky against swing owing to their willingness to hit through the line against anything pitched up.

Early in his innings Ponting tends to plant his feet and play the ball with his hands. Outswingers can catch him out of position. Strauss ought to encourage his speedsters to pitch up by placing his mid-off deeper and straighter than usual.

Swann’s off-spinners might also be important. Australia’s batting is dominated by left-handers (actually most of them have stronger right hands but that is another story).

Mostly Swann will spin the ball away from the bat. Although he has not developed a doosra, a delivery awaiting legitimacy that preys upon the minds of the Australians, the offie spins the ball hard and has an aggressive outlook.

Of late Australians have become tentative against finger-spin and amongst the current crop only Michael Clarke has the swiftness of foot and agility of mind required to meet the occasion. Clearly, England has the more varied attack, but quality also counts.

Australia may lack spin and even swing but at full strength their quartet is more penetrating than England’s. Mitchell Johnson is a slow starter and has been more expensive than a Mumbai penthouse. But he has class and has formed a hostile partnership with Peter Siddle.

Problem with back-up

The back-up has been the problem and its all the more reason for the tourists to celebrate Brett Lee’s recent five-wicket haul. By all accounts he bowled fast and with toe crunching reverse swing. His timing was perfect and his spell was a reward for many thankless months spent toiling in gyms.

Probably the Aussies will forget about specialist spin. No point laying a tweaker for the sake of it. Ponting will need to hustle in the field.

Anyhow the game is afoot. England will be the easier side to captain but the Australians have some powerful performers. Might be worth putting a few rupees on a 2/2 draw.

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