Wello's Ashes Blog

So the hopes of yesterday ended with a swift reality check this morning, and Australia deservedly gained a 1-0 series lead courtesy of an emphatic 277 run victory over England. The first over dismissal of Pietersen was greeted with groans all round a sparsely populated Gabba, not least from myself. The thought of a couple of hours of him unfurling his amazing array of strokes in glorious defeat was an enticing prospect, but alas it was not to be.

Geraint Jones , who looked in good touch during this game, and Ashley Giles played some defiant shots to at least give the Barmy Army something to sing about as they went through their full repertoire of tunes designed to endear themselves to their Australian hosts. 'You're just a part of our Empire' provoked much amusement as did 'Captain Cook only stopped for a xxxx', the four crosses indicating a profanity rather than a cold beer, I might add.

My favourite though must be the little ditty aimed at the Aussie the Barmy Army love to hate, namely Shane Warne. Without knowing the exact words, it was sang to the tune of 'My old man's a dustman' and went something like this:

'Shane Warne's always texting,
He's done it all his life,
It made him lose his hair,
And now he's lost his wife'

Marvellous stuff. Thus England go to Adelaide having been defeated, but in the knowledge that they are capable of scoring good runs against this Australian attack. I don't see any changes in the batting line up, nor should there be, but the view amongst the England fans here is that Monty Panesar has to play in Adelaide, meaning one of James Anderson, Ashley Giles or even Steve Harmison will have to make way.

Despite his terrible performance in this match, England will stick with Harmison in the hope that he can rediscover his rhythm and accuracy in Adelaide. That leaves Anderson or Giles as the man to miss out. With Adelaide likely to turn and Anderson taking 1 for 206 in this match, it looks likely that England will play two left arm spinners for the second test and hope, or should I say pray, that big Fred calls correctly allowing his team first use of what is the best batting surface in Australia.

Roll on Friday.

Till then,

Wello