The Big Picture

England fought back to show character and ended up controlling the first Test, but they must build on their hard-won momentum to deliver more pain to the ailing hosts. Andrew Strauss already holds the urn so he has an important advantage in what has turned into a four-game shootout. The equation is simple: Australia must win more games than England to reclaim the Ashes.

Given the state of the sides, a local victory will be hard work in Adelaide. The back-to-back games mean both outfits will have some weary men, and the bowlers face another back-breaking week on a surface that feels like paradise for the batsmen. At the end of the Gabba Test, Ricky Ponting couldn't help but laugh at England's second innings, which finished at 1 for 517. There wasn't much else he could do after watching his bowlers provide fodder for Alastair Cook, Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott.

It is extremely unusual for the hosts to be under such heavy scrutiny so early in a home campaign, but they must discover some sustained form to win some relief. Doug Bollinger and Ryan Harris, the fast bowlers, have been included in the 13-man squad and have been trying to impress in the nets this week. The batting remains unchanged but once again this is an important game for Marcus North, the hit-and-miss batsman, and part-time spinner.

The game here four years ago is still remembered as a nightmare or a magical dream, depending on your allegiance. England entered the final day at 1 for 59, with a lead of 97 and a chance to push for victory. Instead they were rolled by Shane Warne for 129 and Australia sped to a six-wicket victory. England never recovered and the result changed the series.

Form Guide
(most recent first)

Australia DLLLW
England DWLWW

Team News

Australia (probable): 1 Simon Katich, 2 Shane Watson, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Clarke, 5 Michael Hussey, 6 Marcus North, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Xavier Doherty, 9 Peter Siddle, 10 Ben Hilfenhaus, 11 Doug Bollinger.

England (probable): 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Paul Collingwood, 6 Ian Bell, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Stuart Broad, 9 Graeme Swann, 10 James Anderson, 11 Steven Finn.

Pitch and Conditions

This will be the first Test in charge for the curator Damian Hough, who has replaced Les Burdett after his four decades at the ground. Hough expects a traditional Adelaide wicket, which means lots of runs and some unpredictable bounce late in the game. "Every year we have been able to produce a sporting pitch," Hough said. "There have been eight results in the last 10 years so I think the characteristics haven't changed." The forecast for the opening day is mostly fine, with a top temperature of 30C, while Saturday's maximum is expected to be 35C.

Strong word down here is that Hilfy will miss out for Harris

I think its harsh on Hilfy, if Dar gave Strauss out LBW first ball, his spot wouldnt be in question and everyone would be saying Strauss has troubles with him

Pumped for this one .

I think we have the momentum from Brisbane but it will mean nothing if the bowlers cant do much.
Swann to get 10 for the match and Cook to get 300 .

Should be good though!

Hopefully Belly can continue his good form this week. He needs to get that monkey off the back if not scoring a hundred againts Australia, I really thought Brisbane was his chance.

I thought the criticism towards Englands Bowling attack was a bit harsh. After all they only had 30 overs in their second innings compared to Australias day and a half. To say they have similar problems to Australia is very very harsh.

The test will be draw. The usual Adelaide run fest and the expected rain will have its say.

they did struggle though. Maybe not to the extent in the second innings, but the doubts as to whether either team can take 20 wickets in a match is justified. I thought Anderson was pretty good in the first test, but Swann, Finn and Broad really didnt threaten, and offer a whole lot. Australias batting line up is far from formidable, and the English attack did struggle to get the wickets (yes it was one huge partnership, but none the less). The fact that they dont seem to really have a genuine 5th bowling option like Watson is for Australia is also of concern, as they struggled to come up with answers when Haddin and Hussey took control (not that Watson did much good when we capitulated in front of the England top order)

This really is one of the most poorly contested Ashes in a long time. Not so much in terms of competition, as im sure it will be a tight and close contest, but the quality of players and standard of cricket just isnt what it used to be.

Hope Hus continues his form, love the bloke, has the best attitude and is so dedicated to the cause.

Im also not a fan of North, he is so inconsistent, but i think the fact he offers something with the ball is saving his ass. Clarkey was awful last test, lets just hope he is right to go, because he clearly wasnt last test, and id rather have a fully fit second teir player in than an unfit Clarke.

I sense a draw aswell. I hope Harris plays and plays well, i really dont like Johnson, hes an arrogant, big headed prick and in way over his head.

Fucking hell. Katich ran out, without facing a ball and Ponting gone first ball. So much for thinking his last innings would help for this test.

Jimmys on a fucking hat trick!
2/0!

Come on!

Clarke with the high score of 2 back in the pavillion! 3/2! Jimmys got 3/1 off 1.1 .

Jimmys only taken 2... the run out doesn't count towards his bowling.

Today will be day for Marcus North to shut his critics up.

Australia lol

Watson is looking awesome, he gets out alot about now so he needs to dig in

After that start I wouldve liked to see 4 or 5 down but we are doing ok atm. Must break this partnership quickly though.

Australia has a very long tail.... it could be 6 out all out.

Anything under 300 is a win for England.

Watson is key.

YEEEESSSS! I love you Jimmy!
Watson gone. KP with the catch, 4/96!

Wow what a shocking start. At least we're going well in recovery mode now.

5/189 with Hadds on 17 and Huss on 85. C'mon Huss! Will be so awesome if he ton-up again.

Hussey is going to be the death of me if does this all summer . Brilliant knock again though.

Bloody hell, massive wicket for England!

Another good knock by Huss, helped get us back into the game!

Swanny!
Hussey then Harris gone, 7/211. Lets wrap this up tonight!