The Ashes - Second Test Preview

Having received a pasting at Brisbane, England head south to Adelaide, where a flat wicket promises less bounce than the Gabba. Unfortunately for the England bowlers, the Adelaide Oval is a great batting track, helped in no part by a dry winter. That will have Ponting licking his lips following his destructive exploits in the first Test; and the signs are worrying - he hit 154 back in the second Ashes Test at Adelaide in 2002. He could turn the screw once more on an England side who've collapsed four times in two years while trying to avoid defeat. Can they remain patient at the crease and grind out a batting performance? Flintoff, Pietersen and Collingwood tend to swing with the bat needlessly and will have to show some caution. Warne admitted that his Hampshire colleague got the better of him at Brisbane, but he could have the last laugh - he's the highest wicket-taker at Adelaide. The Barmy Army certainly won't want history repeating itself. They were thumped in the second Test in Adelaide back in 2002 by an innings; even though they were 246 for 2 at one stage having won the toss. The Aussies might be missing McGrath, but have the bowling attack to make inroads into England's top order - but do the tourists? It's difficult to see Harmison and co. take 20 wickets to level the series, but he could have an impact. His extra net sessions could bring back some of the form of 2002 where he took the wickets of Martyn (who averages 96.50 at Adelaide!) and Gilchrist. Monty is tipped to return, but questions remain over how he'll handle the occasion. Will he manage to upstage Warne on a pitch that should offer turn as it deteriorates? We should be in for a result either way with only one draw from the last 15 matches on this ground. There's been a lot of fighting talk from Freddie, but the baggy greens are favourites unsurprisingly - they've won nine of the last 11 Test's played at the Adelaide Oval!