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England on the ropes

Unless the bowling improves, Flintoff will be walking almost naked onto the field

PETER ROEBUCK

Smashed around Canberra by rooky Australians, defeated in India, held by Sri Lanka, led by a novice, burdened with an erratic opening bowler, nursing an ailing opening batsman, constantly worrying about the talisman's fitness, missing an admired captain, tolerating a butterfingered keeper, uncertain about which spinner to play, a fortnight from the first Test and carrying the hopes of a nation, England is in trouble.

Not even Rahul Dravid has more upon his mind than his English counterpart. Since arriving in Australia, Andrew Flintoff has conducted himself in the manner of the warrior, not so much promising mighty deeds (for the valiant seldom boast) as conveying an unyielding spirit. It is all very well, though, to speak quietly but does the Lancastrian carry a big enough stick?

Lone consolation

About the only consolation for Flintoff as he surveyed his ragtag and bobtail army was the news that the Australians had let themselves down in Mumbai, showing intolerable rudeness towards a dignitary. Just for a few days the focus switched from the struggles of his team to antipodean excess. Further breathing space followed as locals jumped to the defence of the equally ill-mannered Darrell Hair, along the way ignoring the evidence of the last 15 years by persuading themselves that every umpire hereafter was doomed to depend upon the support of the "Asian block"

Of course the distractions did not last. The Ashes has been on the tip of every tongue since they were lost on that long, grey afternoon in London when Australia's resistance was finally broken. Locals have been waiting a long time to welcome the team that took the urn and restored respectability to cricket in their country.

For too many years English cricketers had been scorned as soft and dull-spirited. Once regarded as matchless craftsman, they were now cast as miserable mediocrities. Flintoff changed all of that, and the crowd and the singing and the sense that a country was awake again, and ready for a fight.

Yearning for a contest

Excited by those events, Australians were looking forwards to a thrilling series. Obviously they wanted the home side to win but they yearned for a contest. Despite the noise and contention, locals enjoy sport for its own sake, for its adventure and risk. Sportsmanship is also appreciated.

David Gower was always popular, Sachin Tendulkar was given an ovation all the way to the wicket in Sydney and Flintoff's gesture in embracing Brett Lee after Australia had fallen agonisingly short in Birmingham was acclaimed.

On the present evidence, the spirit of 2005 has been lost. Unless the bowling improves in leaps and bounds, Flintoff will be walking almost naked onto the field. Although similar on paper, missing only the Jones the Welshman, his attack has been decimated by the ravages of time.

Harmison continues to spray the ball around wildly, Ashley Giles is desperately short of work, Flintoff himself has not bowled a long spell for months, Matthew Hoggard is an English specialist and the rest are wet behind the ears.

Peaking Aussies

Meanwhile the Australians are peaking. Glenn McGrath seems to be back in business. Stuart Clark's injury has healed quickly and he is expected to play in Brisbane. Mitchell Johnson has staked his claim as a paceman with angle and bounce to spare. Shaun Tait is bowling fast swingers.

Nathan Bracken showed his versatility at Brabourne Stadium. A few months ago the cupboard looked bare. Now it seems well stocked. Oh yes, and Shane Warne is prowling.

A lot can happen in a fortnight. As far as England is concerned, it is just as well.

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