Hero’s return just not enough
WOULDN’T it be fantastic if Andrew Flintoff, in his last ever Test, summoned a match-winning performance and reclaimed the Ashes for England? It’s the stuff dreams are made of. Freddie would bow out in the best possible manner; one of the heroes of the 2005 series inspiring another triumph on home soil.
The problem is, while my heart says yes, my mind tells me realism has to kick in. With a draw being enough for them to retain the urn, Australia have the edge, and they won’t concede it easily.
Sure, the Aussies will try to win. But they don’t need to, and I just cannot see them losing.
FIERCE DETERMINATION
England have made changes, and rightly so. The dropped Ravi Bopara needs a break. I was never sure he was a No3, he’s been found out a little against better opposition, but I have no doubt he will be back, perhaps at No5 when Paul Collingwood moves on.
Jonathan Trott is the man who will come in, with Ian Bell promoted to Bopara’s old slot. While I wouldn’t say Trott’s got the technical quality of Bell, he has terrific character, fierce determination, and he won’t be overawed by making his debut in a match of such magnitude.
Flintoff’s return will be a huge boost for England, and will deflate Australia more than just a touch. Of course, he will do anything required to win this match – I’m just not sure it’ll be enough.