Matt Prior v Brad Haddin
England’s No. 1 glovesman has finally put his foot on cementing his place within Andy Flower’s squad. A stirring average of 42.13 covers the flaws that his keeping can occasionally produce, yet with Surrey’s uncapped Steve Davies waiting in the wings, mistakes must be averted if he is to retain his place. Haddin, for several years Adam Gilchrist’s second in command, is another who will fear for his place in the starting XI. Tim Paine and Graham Manou lie in wait if the New South Wales man fails to produce the goods. However, the 33-year-old did enjoy a strong spell against England in 2009, averaging 46.33 including one century.
Stuart Broad v Mitchell Johnson
The offspring of former England opener Chris Broad has proved himself to be a consistent performer who, despite the odd tantrum, will put his back out for his country to gain victory in this series. Broad must focus on confusing the Australian selectors’ even more by putting constant pressure on the host’s leading batsmen. Johnson has 166 Test wickets to his name, and recent prolific form for Western Australia has given him the status as one of few optimistic Aussie players. He will want to dispel the below par performance in the 2009 Ashes behind him, and England must be wary of this.
Xavier Doherty v Graeme Swann
Labelled as the top spinner in international cricket at present, suggests that Swann will be a dangerous character Down Under. His fearsome record of nine five-wicket-hauls in 24 Test matches is one that few current spinners can match, least of all Xavier Doherty. The Tasmanian twirler has taken part in two ODIs and has a first-class bowling average of 48.10, so England fans not to worry; the next Shane Warne hasn’t surfaced yet.
Doug Bollinger v James Anderson
Doug ‘the rug’ Bollinger has an outstanding record in his 11 Tests thus far, coming up with an average of 23.79 and looks likely to join Australia’s frontline attack ahead of Peter Siddle. Coming across as more of a lager man than a fine champagne, the burly pace bowler is sure to give England something new to consider. England stalwart James Anderson will be playing a pivotal role in giving England an edge, and he must be prepared for a roasting on some of the flattest tracks in the world. A hit-and-miss average against the Baggy Green will not inspire confidence, but as one England’s frontline bowlers he possesses the weapons to leave the Aussies in tatters, but this skill must be brought to the Gabba on Thursday morning.
Steven Finn v Ben Hilfenhaus
England’s youngest recruit has not been daunted by the big stage thus far, but it doesn’t get much bigger than this for an English cricketer. A couple of series against minnows Bangladesh and a misfiring Pakistan team is not the greatest of experience, but the 21-year-old Middlesex man has proved that the necessary tools are there to produce the highest level of cricket. Tasmanian bowler Hilfenhaus was one of the few Australian bowlers that walked away from England in 2009 with his head held high. A string of stirring performances in a Glenn McGrath like manner had England in disarray on several occasions while he was also the top wicket taker for the series with 22 at an average of 27.45. England will have to learn from their mistakes if they are to conquer the 27-year-old.
So, with the first ball due to be bowled in the next 24 hours, let the carnage commence.
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