On-form Anderson is a matchwinner
ENGLAND have a golden opportunity to take a huge step towards reclaiming the Ashes in the third Test at Edgbaston, starting today.
Victory would put Andrew Strauss’s men 2-0 up overall, and they would then be confident of batting out for a series-clinching draw at either Headingley or The Oval.
This ground usually produces a result and, as long as the weather holds out, I fancy England’s chances of emerging victorious.
I think we will see the ball move around very much, even more so when there is cloud cover, and that will better suit England’s bowlers.
James Anderson in particular could be pivotal and I believe that if he bowls at his best the home side will definitely win.
Australia’s bowlers won’t fancy it as much, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them recall Shane Watson, who will relish the conditions more, in place of spinner Nathan Hauritz.
For England Ian Bell replaces Kevin Pietersen at No4, but I don’t think that weakens them, since KP hasn’t been at his best for months.
I expect Andrew Flintoff to play this match, despite ongoing knee worries, and then it will be a case of wait and see.
But – if they take charge this weekend – by the time his joint packs up, England could already have the urn in the bag.