Australia level the Ashes series with two Test matches remaining
Published:It was the result all cricketing purists wanted, but England fans will be worried about the next two Test matches having witnessed a change in momentum in the Ashes series.
Entering the third Ashes Test in Perth, England were 2/5 to win the Ashes and 1/9 to retain the Ashes, but Andrews Strauss’s side are now 7/4 to win the Ashes and have seen Australia cut significantly into 6/4.
Despite Australia being the favourites to win the series, England are still available at 1/2 to retain the urn and a series draw would be good enough to see the urn return to England.
Next up is the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Andrew Strauss is contemplating changes after such a demoralising defeat.
Tremlett was England’s most successful bowler but Steven Finn was England’s most expensive bowler and may be dropped for the next Test in Melbourne.
Ricky Ponting is a doubt for the fourth Test after breaking a finger, but the Australian captain is hopeful he can play.
Even if the Aussie captain were to miss out, the bowling performance by the Australian attack has seen the Australian public find renewed optimism about this series.
Mitchell Johnson’s first innings bowling spell was described by his captain as “one of the all-time great Ashes spells” and Johnson has silenced his many critics for now.
The man of the match kept his side in the tie thanks to top-scoring in the first innings, and his bowling was just as effective and the pace bowler now has nine wickets for the series after failing to take a wicket in the first Test.
Melbourne is now a crucial venue but having seen the wicket in action when England met Victoria, a draw looks the best bet on a slow track and is priced at 9/4.
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