Australia head into the third Ashes Test in Adelaide on December 17, with a dominant 2-0 advantage after comprehensive victories in Perth and Brisbane, after England’s ultra-aggressive “Bazball” approach failed to pay dividends in conditions Down Under, where their attacking style has repeatedly come unstuck against a home side missing several frontline players.
Pat Cummins returns for the third Test, while Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. England, meanwhile, will be without Mark Wood for the rest of the tour.
Former Australia captain Tim Paine, however, believes the shift to Adelaide Oval, known for its true bounce and more gradual wear, could give England a stage perfectly suited to their intent.
“If there’s any wicket and ground in the country that suits them more than this, I don’t think there is one, so there will be a fascinating Test match,” Paine said, noting that England still offer opportunities through errors Australia have so far punished.
“England, at times, are probably giving them opportunities they shouldn’t. It’s like Australia are just playing the percentages really well, and England are making the same mistakes.
“Having said that, I think if England get it right, they’re going to be really dangerous.”
The last Ashes clash at Adelaide, four years ago, ended in a 275-run win for Australia, powered by a match-defining century from Marnus Labuschagne and a decisive five-wicket haul from Jhye Richardson.
Despite the setbacks, Paine appreciates England’s reluctance to retreat from their trademark attacking method.
“Even though the Test matches have been quick, they’ve been thoroughly entertaining, at times humorous, depending on who you support.
“But I love the way both teams are going about it. They’re sticking to their guns. England aren’t backing down from their attacking approach and their laid-back approach, as you can see by the time they’ve spent up in Noosa this week.
“I don’t mind ripping into them, like most Australians, but I enjoy watching them play. It hasn’t worked out for them yet in Australia, but I really enjoy what they’re trying to do, the mindset around it, and freeing players up to play their best,” the stumper added.
Backs Khawaja as opener ahead of Head
Paine also touched upon Australia’s selection considerations, particularly with veteran opener Usman Khawaja turning 39 during the Test. Khawaja has played just one innings this series, scoring 2, while Travis Head struck a superb century in the fourth-innings chase in Perth.
“Usman has done a great job for Australia in tough circumstances. Heady has been awesome when he’s gone up. Does he do it again this week? I’m not quite sure,” Paine said.
“I wouldn’t mind watching Heady come out at five on a hot day in Adelaide with 200 on the board and seeing what he can do, he’s a bums on seat cricketer wherever he bats. It comes down to the strategy.
“Do they want someone that’s going to face a lot of balls and make it easier for the middle order? Or do they want to throw Heady up again and put them under pressure from the get-go?” added Paine.