It was an astonishing collapse and serious questions have to be asked about the England management – who must take the blame for their team’s negative mindset at the start of the final day, when they scored only 30 runs in the morning session. What that tells punters, however, is something crucial. England were mentally shot to put in such a “rabbits in headlights” in the first two hours, so goodness knows how they must be feeling now.
Following such a collapse from a position of strength they are almost unbackable. After all if they are beaten once scoring 551 on a featherbed when winning the toss, how can anyone make a case for them triumphing at all on this tour? The only positive they have is a ten day break between now and the third Test in Perth on the 14th, where wholesale changes should be made if they are to stand a chance.
Sajid Mahmood must come in for a hopeless James Anderson, and Monty Panesar for Ashley Giles.
It is ironic that one of the reasons Giles kept Panesar out of the team was for his superior fielding, yet it was he who dropped Ricky Ponting when he had only 35. Panesar would probably not have caught it, either but it is arguable that he wouldn’t even have been fielding in such a crucial position at square leg.
Panesar would not have stopped England losing in Brisbane but his omission here in the City of Churches is one which coach Duncan Fletcher is going to have to ask forgiveness for.
* All prices correct at time of writing.
ABOUT EASYODDS.COM
Easyodds.com is a comprehensive sport betting service that helps you find the BEST ODDS on offer from leading bookmakers, betting exchanges and spread betting firms and then helps you place your bet at the BestPrice.
FREE to register!
www.easyodds.com
Andrew Newton
Managing Editor
020 7691 0660
