Key players to look out for at Lord's

Dawn.com Published July 18, 2013
Michael Clarke: He is the closest reply Australia have in the batting department to Kevin Pietersen. Australia have to realize they can resist England’s bowling attack, and Clarke needs to instill that belief into his team’s top order, overcome his back problems and step up to the occasion.
Michael Clarke: He is the closest reply Australia have in the batting department to Kevin Pietersen. Australia have to realize they can resist England’s bowling attack, and Clarke needs to instill that belief into his team’s top order, overcome his back problems and step up to the occasion.
Shane Watson: Drafted in as an opener and all-rounder in the series, he has only made sores of 13 and 46 in the series so far and went wicketless in the first test. He needs to pull himself together and overcome rumors of a rift between him and captain Clarke.
Shane Watson: Drafted in as an opener and all-rounder in the series, he has only made sores of 13 and 46 in the series so far and went wicketless in the first test. He needs to pull himself together and overcome rumors of a rift between him and captain Clarke.
Phillip Hughes: His 81 not out in the first innings assisted Ashton Agar in getting to 98.He was the one left stranded when Agar got out.
Phillip Hughes: His 81 not out in the first innings assisted Ashton Agar in getting to 98.He was the one left stranded when Agar got out.
Ashton Agar: His 98 in the first innings rescued Australia, who were reeling at 117 for 9. His left arm spin, though, only took two wickets in the match. He needs to ensure he continues his batting form and improve upon his bowling
Ashton Agar: His 98 in the first innings rescued Australia, who were reeling at 117 for 9. His left arm spin, though, only took two wickets in the match. He needs to ensure he continues his batting form and improve upon his bowling
Kevin Pietersen: His average of 61.40 in 14 tests at Lord’s includes scores of 57 on his debut against the same opposition he faces today as wickets fell around him, 152 against South Africa in 2008 and a double century against India in 2011, showing just how much he likes the ground.
Kevin Pietersen: His average of 61.40 in 14 tests at Lord’s includes scores of 57 on his debut against the same opposition he faces today as wickets fell around him, 152 against South Africa in 2008 and a double century against India in 2011, showing just how much he likes the ground.
Jonathan Trott: His 229 runs in 5 matches in the champions trophy at 57.25 with two fifties, and a masterly 48 in the first innings makes him play a key role in England’s batting line-up.
Jonathan Trott: His 229 runs in 5 matches in the champions trophy at 57.25 with two fifties, and a masterly 48 in the first innings makes him play a key role in England’s batting line-up.
Ian Bell: His hundred in the second innings, supported by a 67 by stuart broad, helped England revive themselves from 218/6 to post a second innings total of 375, one which set Australia a target of 311.
Ian Bell: His hundred in the second innings, supported by a 67 by stuart broad, helped England revive themselves from 218/6 to post a second innings total of 375, one which set Australia a target of 311.
James Anderson: His 10-wicket haul left Australia reeling at 117 for 9 and 231 for 9 in each innings, and, after a lengthy and controversial review, took the penultimate wicket of Brad Haddin to give England the series lead. This was the performance that actually won England the match.
James Anderson: His 10-wicket haul left Australia reeling at 117 for 9 and 231 for 9 in each innings, and, after a lengthy and controversial review, took the penultimate wicket of Brad Haddin to give England the series lead. This was the performance that actually won England the match.

Australia will be keen for revenge today at Lord’s, the “home of cricket”, as they go into the second Ashes test 1 down after losing by 14 runs at Trent Bridge, a match which reminded many of the 2005 Ashes test at Edgbaston.

The pitch at Lord’s is one good for batting. But, it is known for getting flatter as the match progresses, with the average team innings scores going down from 377 in the first innings to 148 in the 4th.

Despite top order collapses, Michael Clarke and his boys nearly got over the line, with number 11 Ashton Agar making a record-breaking 98 and the tail helping wicketkeeper Brad Haddin make 71 in the Australian’s first and second innings respectively which had left the England camp biting their nails.

Australia’s top order collapses was what lost them the match. Their tail almost got them till the line, but couldn’t get them over it. If Australia are to regain the urn, their top order need to step up and realize their roles. If a nineteen-year old number 11 debutant can almost get a century, why can’t experienced top-order specialist batsmen even put up 40-odd? - Text by Dara Sanwal, photos by AFP

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