Another factor highlighting Australia's poor batting performance was the placid nature of the Adelaide Oval pitch
Another factor highlighting Australia's poor batting performance was the placid nature of the Adelaide Oval pitchThe Australian selectors reacted aggressively to the mauling the bowlers received at the Gabba. They might face a similar overhaul of the batting after a dismal display at the revamped Adelaide Oval.
Marcus North is fast entering Mitchell Johnson territory with another unconvincing display in the middle-order.
u00a0
North has taken on the role Michael Hussey previously played; he's batting as though his survival depends on a good score. Just imagine where Australia would be if the selectors had acted rashly prior to the series and omitted Hussey.
Clarke problemWhile North's woes have been well documented and on-going, Michael Clarke on the other hand has snuck up on the rails like a fast finishing thoroughbred. Normally a good player of spin bowling, his failures in India were a surprise, but two wild and wooly shots in the Ashes series have the tongues wagging. Clarke needs to rectify this situation or he'll quickly be re-classified, future captain of New South Wales.u00a0
The other factor highlighting Australia's poor batting display was the placid nature of the pitch. The stands at the Adelaide Oval may be new but it's the same old pitch; it's still very good for batting.
If it hadn't been for the two gallant Gabba heroes Hussey and Brad Haddin, Australia's reputation would be in tatters. Their two innings-saving partnerships in this series have been built on a critical awareness of what is required and the ability to both defend and attack when the need arose.
Super HusseyWith his new found approach to batting Hussey is playing as well as at anytime in his career. He looks more solid as his defence has moved from survival to defiant mode and his attacking play now contains an element of belligerence.u00a0
There's never been any hint of survival about Haddin's batting;u00a0 he enters the arena like a punter with a wad of notes in his pocket and begins to play as though he's devised an infallible system. He has proved beyond doubt that he's capable of handling the number six spot in the Test side and this could be a god-send as the selectors struggle to find the right combination.
The other shining light was Shane Watson. Hisu00a0 technique stood out like a beacon when Jimmy Anderson was swinging the ball dangerously and surely he's dispelled any further notions of removing him from the opening position. It doesn't make sense to weaken a strength in order to strengthen a weakness.
Adding to Australia's woes, England has plotted and planned well. To make matters worse they're showing Australia up in the field.
Good slip catching and bustling in-field work has reaped its rewards and the Australians, with a few exceptions, are struggling to break the shackles.
There is though, some light at the end of the tunnel. The England pace attack doesn't look anywhere near as formidable when Anderson is resting and if they can resist the late-swinging Lancastrian, life will be easier.
Swann flyingHowever, there are also distinct signs that Graeme Swann is coming to grips with Australian conditions. His role is to churn out overs both economically and in a probing manner and he played it to perfection, especially when bowling to North. Unless the left-hander can reverse this situation he's doomed.
The ineptitude of the batting left Australia's chances of staying in the contest at the Adelaide Oval, resting heavily on the reinforcements the selectors introduced following the Gabba mauling. The problem is the Australian attack doesn't have an outstanding leader; opponents must look at the bowling line-up and see a series of efficient number threes but not a number one.
As England, built on the momentum they'd taken from their Gabba resurgence it appeared as though the Australian selectors were in for another session burning the midnight oil. Their trick will be to make any further changes not look panic.
It's a far cry from the days when the team selected itself and when a mistake didn't become a glaring error because two champion bowlers in Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath covered cracks quicker than putty. Their job now is to not only select with the Ashes in mind but also for the future; not an easy task when losing to England is considered a hanging offence in Australia.
