5th Test: A Battle

The Ashes: 5th Test – 3-7 January, 2014 - Sydney

Australia
The target is 5-0 – looking at their performances, Australia feel quietly confident in doing so. But this is where complacency can set in. It will not be so easy as team England will show better resolved. Australia will be instinctive and may have to ignore pre-decided strategies as on the spot decisions will work well for them.

1st Innings
Batting – they will build themselves slowly in order to generate momentum in their innings. Latter half will require better application. Bowling – good start and a good end, but they will have trouble with a resistant middle-order. Fielding – aggressive, sharp, but some silly lapses in the middle will be troubling.

2nd Innings
Batting – their plans will work well at the start and towards the end, but they will feel stifled mid-way of their innings. Bowling – an initial casual approach will be a cause for concern. Maintaining aggressive momentum will be a challenge but manageable. Fielding – basic problems in the beginning will hurt.

The Captain - Michael Clarke
Clarke's captaincy starts off well, but then there is trouble – confusion with what ideas to adopt will mean a waste of time, hence not allowing him to capitalise on important opportunities.

England
Fear, anxiety and basic concerns still exist within the team, but they have pulled themselves together. They will display better energy and focus in all areas of the game. Going over-board in trying to prove a point should be avoided as balance is key.

1st Innings
Batting – aggressive, hungry and enthusiastic, but it will be a struggle to maintain such a start. Bowling – a weak beginning will make way to better discipline and better results. Fielding – alertness will be required as the simplest of opportunities could go amiss in the first half.

2nd Innings
Batting – momentum will be built upon very well. They will exploit opposition weaknesses; at the same time, getting over-confident could prove problematic. Bowling – the right combination of bowlers will be seen hence getting effective results mid-innings. Fielding – inconsistencies will still trouble them.

The Captain - Alastair Cook
Cook seems out of sync at times – a dis-balance is apparent, but as the game progresses he will manage to do better and even see results for it, helping him re-gain overall confidence in himself.

Tarot Advantage:
A tough game, but advantage: Australia

Disclaimer: Tarot for the Ashes is there to provide a different perspective to the matches and is meant for entertainment purposes only.