I’m finding it very hard to get excited about the Edgbaston test.
I think it is the rain.
Or maybe I am missing KP.
It could be the after effects of defeating swine flu. I mean once you have fought off the pig-reaper all other things seem small and you start to look at life a different way.
It is most likely to be a Freddie hang over.
I still haven’t recovered from his spell.
Not in a woe is Australia kind of way.
I just don’t really expect to see anything like that in this test.
And I won’t be at the ground either (unless the ECB change their mind and let me in).
So I won’t have the throbbing pulse of the crowd all around me either.
Or it is the rain.
My biggest worry is that the Australian selectors won’t change the line-up.
Just the same ordinary players failing to rise to the occasion.
Ditto England now that KP is gone. And I expect Flintoff’s knee to do a Shane
The rain. And the weird lack of anticipation – who the hell knows what will happen? It’s hard to come up with any likely scenario in this game without the complete reverse being possible.
Bopara and Bell could enjoy a 200 partnership, flaying the mundane bowling, or they could both make ducks.
Clark could come back and take 5-60, or his lack of cricket could be exposed by the England batsmen and his returns against Northampton be seen for what they are.
Hughes could take advantage of the slower wicket and flog 150, or be undone again and lose his marbles completely.
It’s completely unknowable.
rain