England’s WACA fight exposes Australia’s strengths and weaknesses

THE days when things don’t go to plan are the ones which strip bare the true fibre of a young Test team. Crash Craddock reveals how England exposed Australia’s strengths and weaknesses.

Nathan Lyon is Australia’s most important bowler.

THE days when things don’t go to plan are the ones which strip bare the true fibre of a young Test team.

It’s a great thing for Australia’s development as a green-horned Test unit that rejuvenated England have not handed them the WACA Test and the Ashes on a platter as most expected.

There’s been dropped catches, reckless reviews and over-zealous bowling by Australia as they fought hard to stay in the contest.

Mitchell Johnson is a different beast to Australia’s current crop. Picture: Hillyard Philip

At times Australia looked like a team trying to snatch at the famous urn rather than methodically take possession of it.

These type of contests are what Ashes cricket should be and it has spotlighted some strengths and foibles including ...

THE JOHNSON FACTOR

The bowling attack performed solidly but this Test has showcased the fact that departed Ashes hellraiser Mitchell Johnson was a cut above the current crop in terms of raw, sustained intimidation.

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If Johnson had been playing here there’s no way England would have escaped with losing just four wickets on the first day.

The difference? All those short balls which sailed high and wide from the current attack would have been rib or helmet seeking missiles from Johnson. That was his great strength.

RIPE TIME

YOU need players in the absolute prime of their careers – such as the Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan partnership – if your are to threaten Australia in Australia.

If you are past your best (Alastair Cook) the abrasive conditions, the crowds, the decks – everything – tend to be overwhelming and push you towards retirement.

If you are at the other end of the scale and a youngster on the rise, Australia is generally too steep a learning curve.

Nathan Lyon is Australia’s most important bowler.

THE LYON’S SHARE

Australia have got so used to Nathan Lyon ripping out the middle order that when he fails to do there is flat spot in the middle of the innings.

He is Australia’s most irreplaceable bowler.

THE BIG SLEDGE

ARE Australia a team who sledge only when they are on top or has there been an official warning to tone things down?

Match referee Richie Richardson likes aggressive cricket but was understood to have reckoned that both teams had travelled close to the line in the first two Tests.

Tensions seem to have settled since Adelaide.

There seemed considerably less chirp and tension in the field than the previous Tests.

Not sure whether Richardson turned the volume down – or did it happen naturally with England ramping up their performance, puncturing Australia’s confidence?

SAFE HANDS

Keeper Tim Paine continues to justify his presence with stylish, sure-handed work behind the stumps.

He has not been flawless but given his lack of recent keeping he has done well not to fade in his three Tests. In fact he is looking more composed by the innings.

He looks a better player than the man he replaced, his old backyard rival Matt Wade.

The new modelled Australian slips cordon is still a work in progress with Cameron Bancroft dropping several chances this series.

THE TALE OF THE TAIL

On the rare days Australia is dominated by a rival batting line-up there is one comforting thought.

This bowling line-up, particularly in Australia, have the potential to be great tail-snippers. Full of pace and aggression, they have the ability to turn potential peril into solid ground, like at the WACA when they took 6-35.

REVIEW

STEVE Smith needs to take the emotion out of his reviews.

He’s doing a fine job as captain but just because things get desperate does not mean a decision is more likely to go Australia’s way.

One review yesterday of a ball from Mitchell Starc which was going down the leg side was a waste in every way.

Originally published as England’s WACA fight exposes Australia’s strengths and weaknesses