News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 8 years ago
Rediff.com  » Cricket » The key to England's Ashes domination revealed!

The key to England's Ashes domination revealed!

August 05, 2015 13:23 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

England's Joe Root and Stuart Broad run a race during a nets session at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Tuesday

England's Joe Root and Stuart Broad run a race during a nets session at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Tuesday. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Having watched the Ashes so far, one would recognise a pattern and that could be the main reason for England’s good time in the series so far.

That Australia captain Michael Clarke has been unable to find the runs is the reason England have managed to have the upper hand so far.

England will continue targetting Australia's under-pressure skipper as they try to secure an Ashes series victory at Trent Bridge this week, according to fast bowler Stuart Broad.

Clarke, like most of the visiting batsmen, has struggled in the English conditions and is averaging 18 compared to his Test career average of almost 50.

He managed only 13 runs in two innings at Edgbaston last week as England won by eight wickets to move 2-1 ahead.

"We obviously do a lot of research on him because he averages something like 52 in over 110 Tests which is remarkable, the career he's had," Broad, England's leading wicket taker in the series with 12, told a news conference.

Michael Clarke 

Australia captain Michael Clarke walks out to bat during a nets session at Trent Bridge. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

"We talk a lot about him and we're proud of the way we've bowled at him so far.

"We've made it hard for Michael. We know how dangerous he is. He is such a key player for them and it's been going well so far."

Momentum is with England but this unpredictable series could easily take another swing on Thursday at Trent Bridge where Broad says England will have to be "right on the money" against a wounded Australia team.

"It's about making sure our game plan is dead right and not to worry too much about what the Aussies are doing," he said.

"We know they are a dangerous team. None of the Tests have been very close have they? Not like 2005 where each game went to the wire. It's been a fascinating series."

Australia's Mitchell Johnson reacts after bowling to England's Gary Ballance

Australia's Mitchell Johnson reacts after bowling to England's Gary Ballance. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Australia's pace bowler Mitchell Johnson describes the fourth Test as a "grand final".

"There is no avoiding it -- we were very disappointed with our performance in Edgbaston. We just didn't bat well and we didn't start very well with the ball either," Johnson, who reached the 300 Test wickets landmark at Edgbaston, told Sky Sports.

"What's going on out on the field has a very immediate effect on how everyone else is feeling back in the dressing room. The mood can change a lot during the course of an innings.

"We've just got to focus on what we've been doing when we've been playing well. We have to take it one day at a time, one innings at a time and try and build those partnerships like we did at Lords."

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
AGENCIES

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024