Ashes paper talk: The view from Australia
Sunday 12 July 2015 23:26, UK
The fall-out Down Under rumbles on following England’s unexpected victory over Australia in the first Test in Cardiff.
After the crushing win by the hosts last week, the knives are predictably out for the Aussies, although former skipper Ricky Ponting gives the tourists some hope of hitting back at Lord's.............
Read what the Aussies are reading about on Monday, July 13th:
DAILY TELEGRAPH
Shane Watson’s Test career is understood to be on its last legs after the all-rounder failed to reignite a dismal run of outs that dates back to the last Ashes series more than 18 months ago, including a chronic susceptibility to being out lbw.
SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
Steve Smith, for instance, didn't live up to his billing, Michael Clarke looks well and truly out of nick, and Adam Voges was a let-down. And the suggestion was, when Watson pipped Mitchell Marsh to retain his spot, that he would be given the first two Tests. If he wasn't up to scratch, the rising all-rounder would be thrown into the fray.
HERALD SUN
Australia is hopeful Mitchell Starc will overcome an ankle injury in time for the series-defining clash at Lord’s starting on Thursday. But selectors may still consider tinkering with the gears of the attack.
THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
According to Ricky Ponting: “We won the first Test in 2005 and then lost the series so it can change quickly but it’s up to Australia to turn up with the right attitude and the right skill set to get the job done. Joe Root played a sensational innings and Australia weren’t able to wrestle back the initiative from there.”
ADELAIDE ADVERTISER
Australia will continue to attack Moeen Ali throughout the Ashes, despite the ploy backfiring in the first Test. Darren Lehmann’s men made a concerted effort to hit Ali out of the attack in Cardiff, giving him the same treatment they always dish out to the opposition’s spinner. It proved unsuccessful.
