Hopes for Headingley
August 5, 2009
The Test at Headingley which starts at the end of the week is a must win for Australia after the sides settled for a draw at rain soaked Edgbaston. Not too much was said at the time about Australia’s performance but one point to note was the milestone reached by batsman Ricky Ponting, the highest Test run scorer ever for Australia.
With Andrew Flintoff struggling for fitness again, and the Headingley ground being a completely different proposition from the pitch at Edgbaston, England have given a shock call up to uncapped batsman Jonathan Trott. The right hander is included in the 14 man squad which also features seamer Ryan Sidebottom with Monty Panesar dropped.
Trott already has 831 first class runs this season and his average is an amazing 83. And with the hosts needing just one win from the remaining two games his introduction could be the stuff of every cricketer’s dreams. With pace bowling options in the form of Ryan Sidebottom and Steve Harmison the final eleven is yet to be decided.
Another question yet to be answered is whether Australia will include Brett Lee. The paceman has missed the first three Tests with a side strain and there are still some concerns over his fitness.
With the test only a couple of days away and the long range weather forecast looking good, this could be the weekend to watch the cricket.
