ashes final test sydney, page-2

The Ashes: England's fear factor means rejuvenated Australians set for 5-0 series whitewash



England's feeble performance has exposed their lack of depth and a disheartening lack of resolve.

Australia's outstanding fast bowling, spearheaded by Mitchell Johnson's remarkable assaults, and a more aggressive approach with the bat has inspired a compelling rejuvenation.

England's players may point to a wearying calendar year of matches and stifling micro management, but their policy of playing safe has backfired against a team that has been hungrier, intent on a massive payback for losing in England.

As Geoffrey Boycott harshly observed after England's worst defeat of the series in Melbourne, they could play 17 men and still lose in Sydney.

The dismissals of Stuart Broad and Tim Bresnan to Nathan Lyon confirmed the fear factor, the "I don't really want to be here" mentality of England's lower order as Lyon was gifted wickets.

The fear in the eyes of England's batsmen on a flat pitch in Adelaide was bad enough, but with a lead of 116 at 0 for 65 in the second innings at the MCG, they squandered any chance after Johnson's excellent reverse swing dismissal of captain Alastair Cook.

Kevin Pietersen tried hard but his partners succumbed to weak decisions, allowing Australia to swarm over the tail.

And on the last day any remote hope was dashed by dropped catches and the dashing batting of a highly motivated Chris Rogers with Shane Watson on the rampage.

As England fiddle with the side's playing personnel in a desperate attempt to improve in Sydney, Australia will want to complete the series intact, hoping that Ryan Harris and Watson are fit enough to get through.

They need some good R and R after this to refresh for the South African tour which will be the most significant series played by Australia this year. Pity it's not five tests, but three is better than two.

Last year at the SCG Michael Clarke saw green in the pitch and sent Sri Lanka in.

Australia won in a fourth innings chase that was almost hijacked by the subcontinental spinners, so expect some turn here after the initial green tinged excitement for the quicks.

Alastair Cook is overdue to win the toss after four luckless calls, but the toss is irrelevant if England fail to turn up again.

England's self-esteem and an Army of visiting fans need a boost.

Time for a proactive approach and a contest? I think we'll be standing up for 5-0.


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-02/england-facing-a-5-0-drubbing/5181814