Australian headlines, who tried
to win their first Ashes away series for 18 years, humiliated England last time
thanks in large part to Smith, who returned to this level after a 12-month ban
for his involvement in a scandal handling the ball with two centuries as they
crossed to a first test win of 251 runs at Edgbaston.
England only won the Ashes twice
after losing the first match, when the off-roader Ian Botham turned around the
1981 series with various blaming solo efforts, and in the thrilling 2005 the contest they surpassed 2-1.
The loss in Edgbaston was made
worse for England by the fact that James Anderson, his all-time main wicket
player collapsed after playing four strokes with a calf injury that has ruled
out a 37-year-old swing specialist.
Australian coach Justin Langer said that:
We are well aware that
England played without James Anderson, one of their best players and we were
lucky. That's the truth, with him without playing. He's fast and brilliant
bowler, one of the best of all time, so if he only throws four overs for the game, then we're lucky there.
Here at Lord's, there are
different conditions and pressures, so we just need to make sure we're right
for this Test match," added the former Australian opener, who played in
the "cricket house" for English county Middlesex.
Anderson's absence means England
are ready to give a test debut to Archer, who will return to the ground where
he brought down the dramatic Super Over that sealed a thrilling Victory in the
World Cup final over New Zealand last month.
Langer Said that:
It's the same for everyone in
test cricket, taking them to their second, third and fourth spells.
I've played a lot more red-ball
cricket and it's my favorite format," Archer said. "I'm more prepared
than ever. I played 50-overs in a game for Sussex and I'm the one who normally
plays at the end.
England is also ready to play
with left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who scored the best score of his 92nd run in
the only test win over Ireland at Lord's last month after Moeen Ali fell after
the lackluster screen of the s Pinner. at Edgbaston.
But as for the suggestions that
Smith had an inherent weakness when with this kind of bowling, Langer replied,
No, I don't buy it. I have done this incredible problem-solving ability.
Australia could re-rotate its
attack on Lord's, with left-wing gunman Mitchell Johnson and Josh Hazlewood
looking to provide a top order of England prone to collapse. Whether it's a green blouse or a
dry wicket, we have very good options.
We have six high-class fast
bowling players and we'll figure out what will be best for this Test match and
the whole series.
